Cohesion (band)

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Cohesion
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Background information
Origin Manchester, England
Genre(s) alternative rock/indie rock, indie pop,
Years active 2003-present
Label(s) Independent Label
Members
Andrew O'Hara
Kevin McPhillips
Geoff Burroughs
Simon Harrison

Cohesion are a four-piece indie rock band from Manchester. The group are:

The band were formed by O'Hara and McPhillips in 2003. Burroughs joined the duo in 2004, with Harrison completing the line-up in 2005. After a sustained period of playing gigs at local venues, the group have released two EPs independently, Cohesion EP and Shadows In The Shade EP (named after a lyric in the song 'Can't Ignore') to critical acclaim in the local press and internet music sites.

The band consider their influences to be bands such as The La's, Coldplay, The Flaming Lips, David Bowie and The Beach Boys, amongst others. Reviews of the band have noted the band's distinct 'West Coast' sound.

Cohesion are currently residing in Levenshulme, Manchester.

Contents

[edit] Discography

EPs

  • Cohesion EP (2005, Independent, COH/2005/001)
  1. Behind Closed Doors
  2. Everafter
  3. Then There Was You
  • Shadows In The Shade EP (2006, Independent 62PRTYCRMWLL06)
  1. Behind Closed Doors
  2. Can't Ignore
  3. Everyone's Got Someone

[edit] Notes

[edit] Biography

COHESION were formed in Levenshulme, Manchester in 2004 by singer-guitarist, Andrew O'Hara, and lead guitarist, Kevin McPhillips. After quickly establishing a sound that best showcased O'Hara's distinctive vocal style, they spent 12 months refining their songs and building a following on the open-mic circuit.

In 2005, they expanded their core songwriting unit, recruiting Geoff Burroughs on drums, followed soon after by Simon Harrison on bass. The addition of a rhythm section, along with the diverse influences that the new members brought, transformed O'Hara's gentle and emotive acoustic songs beyond recognition into upbeat indie pop tracks underpinned by solid rock beats.

COHESION's approach to songwriting remains the same – all the songs are crafted as stand-alone acoustic pieces and then the individual members stamp their unique personalities and styles onto them until each song reflects elements of their classic rock influences from the last four decades.

Crowned by O'Hara's soaring instrumental vocals, the result is a sound that is instantly appealing without being derivative or clichéd; that has enough strength of character to endure the latest fads whilst reflecting the vitality of their chart-topping guitar-pop contemporaries.

COHESION now have hundreds of people in their continually growing fanbase as a result of an active gigging schedule across northern England, including Greater Manchester and Liverpool. They have supported various ascendant acts including Towers of London and Exist and earned new support and acclaim from their diverse fanbases. This breadth of popular appeal is evident from positive feedback from MySpace fans and media critics alike.

COHESION have now completed their new three-track EP, Shadows in the Shade. It was immediately awarded Demo of the Week by Manchester Music, who described it as 'cinematic, soaring Northern guitar pop at its very best[…]sometimes all you need is a great tune, and Cohesion appear to have a bucketload of them...MMMM½'

[edit] Reviews

'Cohesion followed with a powerful set of sparkling epic noise and spankingly tight tunes. They play like they’re on the edge of madness and intoxicate the crowd before them, bashing them around the room with a belting mix of indie rhythms and massive drums. They oozed passion and exploded out of their tiny corner of the room.' Chris Long, BBC (re. SWAP Festival Unstaged Garden Party at The Rampant Lion, 15th July ‘07)

'It’s difficult to put a finger on exactly what’s so brilliant about Cohesion[…]the optimistic, assured vocals, the way the bass wraps around everything perfectly[…]feel like an ice-cold beer on a blazing hot afternoon. Fresh from a crap day and tired out it takes just minutes before these uplifting, life-affirming songs have made me smile again.' Cath Aubergine, Manchester Music (re. High Voltage showcase at Music Box, 31st Jan ’06)

'Cohesion arrive straight from classic British Rock’n’Roll songwriting lineage armed with a healthy surfeit of confidently melodic cuts. These songs are lean, sussed, dynamic and loaded with the kind of emotional vigor that kicks home hard.' Jay Taylor, Night & Day

'…you’re totally gripped, as this sharp and well constructed track is one of the best indie-rock tracks High Voltage has heard over the past few months.' 4/5 stars – Rich C, High Voltage

[edit] External links