Window to the Wise

It's not a huge surprise that this veteran indie rocker and club performer lists on her extensive resume "Lilith Fair Sidestage Finalist," because with any luck, she could certainly have taken center stage with the famous women on that annual tour. With vocals that blend the angelic tenderness of Sarah McLachlan and just a bit of the punch of a Natalie Merchant, Cohn chooses to conceal the depth of her power for a few moments. "Calm" is mystical and new age-y, all haunting piano and ambience, very much along the lines of McLachlan's "Angel," combining spirituality and a bit of social conscience. "Oneness" offers a worldbeat groove and a richer, more rock-oriented vocal range. "Ask Me to Stay" blends the ambience with a tougher electric guitar groove, and Cohn's vocal is textured, the guttural blended with the gossamer. "Truthful Road" is a heavily produced rocker that even captures a bit of the Alanis Morissette vibe. This edge is followed by the softhearted, piano-oriented romance "Standing Still." While the rock numbers are solid, Cohn seems most at home on the graceful acoustic numbers that bite just a little vocally at just the right moments. Her lyrics offer image-rich poetry and demand a few readings to get at their deeper meanings. Her philosophies come together on the folksy closer about the dual natures of love, simply called "Longing."