Back in March, we included Hannah Cohen’s fourth full length album Earthstar Mountain in our New Music Friday roundup. I’ve had that record on repeat since its release, more so now with the fall season in full swing. The album was received with much praise from critics like Rolling Stone who named it one of the best indie albums of the year. Spotify went on to include “Summer Sweat” on this year’s song of the summer playlist.
On Wednesday night, I had the privilege of seeing Hannah play one of my favorite shows this year.
Earthstar Mountain
Over her decade-long career, Hannah Cohen has perfected one of the dreamist sounds in music. Her ethereal sound and sentimental songwriting has cemented her as one of music’s most precious gems. This year, she added another remarkable record to her discography.
On Earthstar Mountain, Cohen breathes new life into the beloved folk rock sound of the ‘60s. While paying homage to her influences, Cohen creates her own lane with a sound unlike any other. The record spans folk, Americana, pop and soft rock all lushly produced. Here and there we are given the singer’s soft touch of psychedelic sounds transporting listeners to the world she meticulously crafted.
Cohen takes listeners on a beautiful sonic journey. Her intimate songwriting feels straight out of one’s diary. She explores themes of change, loss, uncertainty and identity all heavily rooted in naturistic metaphors. Essentially, the album is a gorgeous love letter to nature. I got to experience that soundscape firsthand at the Lodge Room in Highland Park.
The Brightest Star
For the past few weeks, Cohen has been on the road opening for Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Wednesday was time for her to shine with her very own headline show at the Lodge Room.
Inside the Lodge Room was a full house of eager fans waiting for the musician. From start to finish, she captivated the crowd with her ethereal vocals and dreamy sound. Her onstage presence commanded our attention as she graced the stage.
While her set primarily consisted of songs from the new record, Cohen made sure to play tracks from previous releases like “This Is Your Life.” She even played a new song for that crowd that fans must now be eagerly waiting for its release. When it came time for the new songs, fans were overjoyed and full of excitement for songs like “Mountain” and “Dusty.”
On stage, an extremely talented ensemble joined Hannah Cohen who all brought her music to life beautifully. On bass was the esteemed Sam Evian who is her producer and partner. Early in the set, they played their collaboration “Dream Free.”
One of my favorite moments of the concert occurred as the show neared its end. The boys stepped off the stage and left Hannah joined by her guitarist and backup singer to perform her song “Rag.” It was intimate and raw, truly transporting the crowd to another world. Cohen and her band put on one hell of a live show, one I’ll remember forever.
