The Jon Cohen Experimental: Behold
Itchy loves a Canadian.
Review
2012 could be the year for the Canadians. With great artists like
Doldrums, Mozart's Sister and Kishi Bashi following in the footsteps of
giants of the alt scene Arcade Fire, here at Itchy we’re looking for
the next big thing to come from across the Atlantic.
The Jon Cohen Experimental is the latest offering from ex-The Dears member, Jon Cohen and like his fellow Canadians, Cohen is not afraid to experiment with layers of sound and genre. His new album, Behold is the sort of clever indie that deserves a place along side the likes of Beck, Gruff Rhys and The Flaming Lips.
Itchy can imagine listening to Behold on a warm Saturday afternoon when everything’s feeling a little bit hazy. Whilst it’s an interesting listen, it’s not too taxing and it’s psychedelic vibe would certainly suit the mood of the morning after the night before.
Cohen cites Andrew Bird as an influence and it’s easy to see traces of this in track Brain Pollution. Using melting guitar, lilting piano and subtle influences of jazz, much of Behold has a dream-like feel that is easy on the ears.
When in danger of getting too serious on us, Cohen lightens the mood with solid brass and dreamy sci-fi style sounds. With haunting vocals, playful lyrics and the essence of retro prog-rock, The Jon Cohen Experimental could be the Electric Light Orchestra for 2012.
Whilst This Wind of Mine has cool elements of funk and Nightmare_Over has a fun pop feel, our favourite track of Behold has to be No More Videos Just Teasers. This is the track that we can most imagine bopping along to in a live environment and luckily for us, The Jon Cohen Experimental is touring the UK throughout January. If you fancy checking him out for yourself, find dates at his website, www.thejcex.com.
Emma Cooper
The Jon Cohen Experimental is the latest offering from ex-The Dears member, Jon Cohen and like his fellow Canadians, Cohen is not afraid to experiment with layers of sound and genre. His new album, Behold is the sort of clever indie that deserves a place along side the likes of Beck, Gruff Rhys and The Flaming Lips.
Itchy can imagine listening to Behold on a warm Saturday afternoon when everything’s feeling a little bit hazy. Whilst it’s an interesting listen, it’s not too taxing and it’s psychedelic vibe would certainly suit the mood of the morning after the night before.
Cohen cites Andrew Bird as an influence and it’s easy to see traces of this in track Brain Pollution. Using melting guitar, lilting piano and subtle influences of jazz, much of Behold has a dream-like feel that is easy on the ears.
When in danger of getting too serious on us, Cohen lightens the mood with solid brass and dreamy sci-fi style sounds. With haunting vocals, playful lyrics and the essence of retro prog-rock, The Jon Cohen Experimental could be the Electric Light Orchestra for 2012.
Whilst This Wind of Mine has cool elements of funk and Nightmare_Over has a fun pop feel, our favourite track of Behold has to be No More Videos Just Teasers. This is the track that we can most imagine bopping along to in a live environment and luckily for us, The Jon Cohen Experimental is touring the UK throughout January. If you fancy checking him out for yourself, find dates at his website, www.thejcex.com.
Emma Cooper
