Graham Coe – Here I Am (2021)
Combining the intimacy of Paul Simon with the intensity of Leonard Cohen, Irish singer-songwriter is melting hearts with his mellow sound. A relatively new name amidst a sea of folk artists on Spotify, Graham Coe has only two singles to his name but this doesn’t mean he is in the shadows. Breaking boundaries, Coe shares his heartfelt music with music-lovers of all shapes and sizes. The latest addition to his well-received repertoire is the single ‘Here I Am’.
Following his well-received debut single ‘A Moment In Time’, ‘Here I Am’ is Coe’s first release in 2021. Teetering on the brink of painful vulnerability and wistful innocence, ‘Here I Am’ is Coe’s baring of his soul to listeners. Showing that simplistic tunes are often the most effective, the acoustic-inspired track combines steady guitars with Coe’s haunting vocals. Being an indie-folk choral singer, Coe has a wide vocal range and uses it to his advantage in ‘Here I Am’. The incorporation of softer backing with the prominent lead vocals emphasises the fragility of the melody. Yes, the melody is powerful with a hazy ambience; however, it is Coe’s dulcet tones that make the song mesmerising.
Slower, steadier and more languid than the Nick Cage-esque vocals in ‘A Moment In Time’, ‘Here I Am’ has an otherworldly quality. Slightly surreal, Coe eloquently shares the delicate emotions behind the provocative content. Elegantly traversing his well-arranged instrumentation, Coe oozes longing, sincerity and sentimentality with his rich, clear voice. It really is him saying “here I am, pay attention to my pain”.
In addition to the single release, Graham Coe posted an acoustic session of ‘Here I Am’ on YouTube. As this is an acoustic video, I was unsure as to whether or not I should include it in the review but I’m glad I did. ‘Here I Am’ is a passionate song but the stripped-back presentation enhances the intimacy and depth of the track. The split-screen also increases awareness of Coe’s artistry showcasing his multi-instrumental abilities and making you seem “closer” in a way. It is as if he is baring his soul in the black and white session ready for us to lap it up with our eyes.
For more from Graham Coe check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
