We have all probably heard the saying, “the early bird catches the worm” a thousand times. Being a true connoisseur of the night and sleeping through sunrise, I rarely buy into this notion. However, Thursday night was different. Gabriella Cohen, supported by Tall Juan, played the early show at Mercury Lounge and blew all expectations away.
The Argentinean, who boasts he was “radicated in Far Rockaway, NY” opened with an intense set that left the stage (and himself) in tatters. Tall Juan began by playing a slower jam and then quickly turned into a rowdy rocker with his luscious guitar and Kurt Cobain-angst. Everything he does is impulsive, yet calculated. He strummed fast, stripped and threw his guitar (after previously lamenting that it was broken). The energy that he slung at the crowd was a perfect segue into Cohen’s set.
Tall Juan
Tall Juan
Tall Juan
Tall Juan
Tall Juan
Tall Juan
Tall Juan
Tall Juan
Tall Juan
Tall Juan
Tall Juan
Tall Juan
Solo-artist and frontwoman of The Furrs, Gabriella Cohen presented the crowd with an arresting performance that played homage to slacker rock while embracing girl-group confidence. In songs like “Sever the Walls,” Cohen’s vocals swirl and grab at you. Her work is as much about making a statement as presenting a scenario and letting the listener craft his or her own perception.
Gabriella Cohen
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Gabriella Cohen
During the set, she played songs off of her debut album, Full Closure and No Details and provided the audience with different anecdotes between songs. Cohen’s music celebrates heartache and nostalgia in a gritty doo-wop form. Yes, some songs are dark but they always a carry an embracing warmth. Her performance of “I Don’t Feel So Alive” coupled with the backing coos was honest and captured who Gabriella Cohen is as an artist. We’ll be looking for this Aussie next time she’s in New York City.
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Gabriella Cohen
Article: Alx Bear
