Sam Kogon arrives with a timely song, which reminds us what all the upcoming excitement is all about – sure, you get freedom, but that comes with responsibilities and consequences “everybody has a right to vote and a right to smoke and a right to choke / Living in America.” Although the song seems very topical, it’s been a couple of years in the making – ‘America‘ was born during the tumultuous period of COVID-19 lockdowns and widespread protests, capturing the zeitgeist of a nation grappling with its identity and future.
Whilst the song’s lyrics touch on various hot-button issues, from voting rights and social justice to healthcare and reparations, it’s all wrapped up in Kogon’s dreamy power pop blend of catchy melodies and thought-provoking wordplay. ‘America‘ was mixed by John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr, Kurt Vile) and co-produced by Jeff Berrall (Caveman), Zach Brewer and Sam Kogon. It features Kogon’s own vocals, guitar, and organ, alongside Graeme Gengras on piano and the rhythm section of the band Caveman providing bass and drums. The single presages an upcoming album of new material, which Sam Kogon recorded earlier this year.
