Album Notes

Through

Sid Andruska in the July 2005 issue of Playback Magazine had this to say:

"Rossi, frontman for COS, has released his third album, Through, which resembles a dark orchestra comprised of six macabre overtures. If you love the lowly crooning of the late Ian Curtis from Joy Division, you’ll enjoy COS; Rossi’s vocals are a dead-on match, especially in “Dream (Not a Monster remix),” although he doesn’t showcase his voice on all songs. Occasionally, he allows the music to speak for itself. In “HalfLife (30 Giger Clicks remix),” his vocals become faint, like a subliminal message or tiny ghost. Raw and compelling, the entire album leaves you wanting more, much like foreplay with no sex. Oh, the glorious torture!

COS’s sound, although unique by today’s standards, conjures fond recollections of early Ministry and KMFDM with hints of Nine Inch Nails throughout. The pulsating groove of synthesizer beats, blended with a cornucopia of voice clips from various movies, relay Rossi’s story, as if his life were a dramatic motion picture or a horror flick, depending on your perspective. The first song, “Trial,” is one such example, which begins with an audio clip of a woman tearfully recounting a brutal, sexual attack and all the repulsive details therein; her pain is foreshadowed by the eerie and tumid vibrations of Rossi’s background music. Not until the second song does Rossi unveil his lyrical genius. His creative reign over the entire album induces some extraordinary highs and lows, like riding the wave of a wild acid trip. Lay back and submit until the demons have left the room, and watch out for theflashbacks. Or so I’ve heard. Expect nothing less from this album."