In indie rock circles, guitarist and songwriter Andrew Cohen has maintained a devoted fan base since his days in the beloved band Silkworm (1987-2005). After his post-Silkworm project Bottomless Pit went on hiatus in 2014, followed by his retirement a year or two later from a brief involvement with Mint Mile (both of these bands were with former Silkworm bandmate Tim Midyett), Cohen was poised to take a step back from live music. We were especially blessed, then, that he not only was able to launch a collaboration last year with the band Light Coma that was compatible with his busy schedule, but could grace Allston with a rare solo house show this month.
A few dozen people crammed into a living room in Lower Allston to see Cohen perform on the night of October 11th. A half hour before the 8pm set, the new solo record by Eric Bachmann (formerly of Archers of Loaf) filled the room as guests mingled and the host speculated with Cohen whether the living room suited Bachmann’s next living room tour.
Cohen’s set spanned material from his Silkworm days 20+ years ago to songs that have yet to be recorded (plus some covers). At one point, the audience spontaneously joined him in singing “Slow Hands” as he grasped for the words to the song he recorded back in 1995. Cohen later joked before playing a less well-known song from his catalog that a chorus of support would not likely emerge should he forget the words.
Near 9pm, local rock hero Chris Brokaw, on his last night in Boston before embarking on a weeks-long tour supporting the new Thalia Zedek Band record, emerged from the back of the audience to join Cohen with another guitar for the final song—“Ooh La La”, a cover of The Faces’ song that was on the 2000 Silkworm album Lifestyle. A few words about chords were uttered, then they went right into it. That they pulled it off so brilliantly without ever having had a chance to rehearse it together is a testament to the skill and years of experience behind the two musicians.
Afterwards, Cohen announced that Jon Solomon, the man behind his label Comedy Minus One, had graciously driven a long distance to be there with some of his back catalog for sale.
As people mingled after the show, one of the attendees in their 20s could be seen in the kitchen asking for an autograph on the Silkworm album Firewater. Thirteen years after Silkworm’s last show, Cohen’s music continues to win hearts.
Setlist via Comedy Minus One:
38 Souls
Yr Biography
Midwestern DTs
Slow Hands
Summerwind
Fish Eyes
The Usual
She Has Everything (JRLP)
Dogtag
Talk To The Queen
If You Want Blood (AC/DC)
Ooh La La (The Faces)