Gimme Coherence, by multi-instrumentalist Jeff Tobias, is a quirky, frantic, yet precise tune that descends from classic new wave and punk like Devo, Joe Jackson, and Howard Jones. Tobias’ skill as a composer is evident, with a palette of sounds meticulously arranged in service of the song – this is serious art. Starting with a drum beat that is straight out of 80’s pop, in the very best way, it quickly turns into incredibly catchy math-pop, which is a genre I might have just invented.
Described as “addressing the precarious nature of place”, Gimme Coherence explores a world where only change is constant, with lyrics wryly delivered with a smooth tone. This isn’t about mourning change, but accepting, even embracing, it. Even the chorus of “No one gets to go home” is sung with a shrug and a smirk. Maybe no one gets to go home because they are already there. Throughout the song, keyboards and guitars engage in stairstep arpeggios and lines, urging your head to bob and your hips to bop. For a song with some lyrical depth, it sure is fun.
The lead single from Tobias’ upcoming album, One Hundredfold Now in This Age, Gimme Coherence is available as part of the pre-order on Bandcamp. For fans of quirky, experimental pop like Bodega or Of Montreal, Jeff Tobias is an artist worth exploring.
Written by Dylan Steele
