Bruce Cohen is a modern composer and an electronic visionary. He curates ambiences for deep, immersive, and interactive listening experiences. It’s like you are a fly caught in his musical amber, because he not only transports you, but startles you, awakens you, and creates contemplative pathways for you to journey down. 

His latest release is the 8 BC album, the 8th volume of his BC series. In this he explores unravelling sequences. Taken from this collection is the track, ‘Dancing of the Siren’, a hypnotic, ethereal and mystical composition that you can uninhibitedly flow into. Starting from a unitary point, he travels within it, fleshing it out, unpacking its profound grandeur. If you enjoy diving into shimmering pools of pensive thought and sensibilities, this track is for you. Listen Now! 

The track is available for streaming on popular sites like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music!

You can listen to ‘Dance of the Siren’ (8 BC Album) by Bruce Cohen here

Bowe, Good Music Radar, The Netherlands, December 13, 2024

Circuit Symphony: The Electrified Emotions of Bruce Cohen’s ‘Dance of the Siren’

With Dance Of The Siren, the virtuosic composer Bruce Cohen unveiled a composition that is as intricate as it is profound, drawn from his latest album,8 BC.  By blending the ornate richness of neo-classical elements with the pulsating depths of sci-fi intrigue, each note seems to decide whether to comfort or challenge the listener.

Cohen’s mastery in synthesising disparate musical traditions is evident, as Dance Of The Siren embarks on a voyage through lush, theatrical gravitas and bursts into scintillating sci-fi phases. This duality in tone and texture transforms the listening experience into an exploration of emotions, leaving one oscillating between catharsis and disturbance—a true testament to his unique position in the electronic music sphere.

Cohen’s journey in music has been a kaleidoscope of genre-defying ventures. From scoring plays like Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde at Philadelphia’s Walnut Theatre to forming the heavy, psychedelic jazz trio Big Fun 3, his creative bandwidth stretches far and wide.

His solo projects resonate with a penchant for German electronic minimalism and ambient soundscapes reminiscent of luminaries like Brian Eno and Klaus Schulze. With each album from ‘1 BC’ to ‘8 BC,’ Cohen has progressively dipped deeper into his own experimental ethos, melding ambient, funk, and trance elements to forge a distinct sonic signature.

∎ Amelia Vandergast, A & R Factory, London, UK, November 22, 2024

Bruce Cohen’s 2024 album 8 BC plunges listeners into a world of atmospheric electronic soundscapes, blending haunting textures and intricate synth melodies. From the opening track, the music evokes a cosmic threat—an eerie, alien presence that suggests a narrative beyond our understanding. As the album unfolds, Cohen’s mastery of German electronic minimalism and ambient atmospheric landscapes takes center stage, drawing comparisons to the works of Ulrich Schnauss, Edgar Froese, and even Aphex Twin.

Each of the ten instrumental tracks is a meditation on tension and release, where electronic synths vibrate with both fragility and power. Cohen navigates between hypnotic, repetitive grooves and complex arrangements, creating new sonic worlds that feel both intimate and otherworldly. The music builds like an emotional journey, each track another step closer to the unknown.

Inspired by his own experiences with mortality, 8 BC is Cohen’s most personal work yet. He channels his introspective reflections through his synths, much in the way Atticus Ross has used his own electronic compositions to explore deep emotions. In 8 BC, Cohen invites listeners to cross a threshold into new dimensions, where music becomes a bridge between the real and the imagined. A compelling blend of mystery, technology, and raw emotion, this album is a powerful exploration of life, death, and everything in between.

Torysana Philly, The Further, A Parisian and Berliner Magazine, December12, 2024

Today, we’re reviewing Bruce Cohen’s new ambient electronica album ‘8 BC’. The new album by Cohen, is an ambitious exploration of sonic textures, blending his signature ambient electronica with layered, evocative rhythms. A founding member of The Reds, Cohen brings his experience in atmospheric composition to create an immersive listening experience. Each track unfolds like a cinematic journey, drawing the listener into Cohen’s intricate world of soundscapes.

What stands out in 8 BC is its ability to evoke emotion through minimalism. 8 BC is a meditation of life for Cohen and is his most personal album yet. The album leans heavily on hypnotic melodies and subtle tonal shifts, making it both meditative and thought-provoking. It’s an album that demands attention yet rewards with layers of discovery upon repeated listens.

For those who appreciate artistry in sound design, 8 BC is a testament to Cohen’s mastery of mood and nuance. It’s not just music; it’s an experience that lingers long after the final note. Listen below via Spotify and find it on most major streaming or digital download sites.

∎ Nick Galien, Muzic Notez Magazine, Madison, Wisconsin, November 21, 2024

Bruce Cohen Presents 8 BC
A new album with a varied and forward-thinking sound

Bruce Cohen is a producer and artist who is well-known for his electronic instrumental sounds. After a long and storied career with many highlights the indie label, Tarock Music, has released Cohen’s new album 8 BC that stands out as an amazing example of the artist’s ongoing sonic evolution and artistic freedom.

With his discography, Bruce loves to build a continuum, using numbers related to the chronology of his album, as well as his initials. Each installment is an opportunity to bring more depth to the rich heritage and songbook that keeps growing.

Drawing inspiration from artists such as Brian Eno and Kraftwerk, the album features ambient soundscapes and minimalist textures that continue his exploration of atmospheric music. His sound design is impressive, as Bruce focuses on creating haunting, sprawling textures, which set the bar higher in terms of creating ambiance and space in the mix.

8 BC stands out not only for its engaging and edgy performance but also for the exceptional quality of its production, which is not only consistent overtime, but also perpetually expanding in range, showcasing that Bruce is not the type of artist to rest on his laurels. On the contrary, he is always up for new challenges and happy to try new ideas to keep his music as diverse and original as possible. The mix is meticulously crafted, striking a perfect balance while embracing a lively, bold, and crisp sonic character. Subtle nuances throughout the track enrich its overall texture, creating a dynamic listening experience. The frequency spectrum is expertly managed, featuring a tight yet resonant low end that pairs seamlessly with a polished high end, bringing clarity and depth to the music.

8 BC is innovative and characterful, but it also builds on Cohen’s earlier works and experience. The song combines rich synthesizer tones with rhythmic elements to create a meditative listening experience for the audience. This is not mere entertainment, and it’s a transcendental, meditative and inspiring to listen to.

Whether you’re familiar with Cohen’s previous albums, or new to his music, 8 BC offers a thoughtful introduction to his sound and vision as an artist. This release is highly recommended.

■ The Bandcamp Diaries, Rome, Italy, November 18, 2024

Today, Jukebox Mind is spotlighting the new album by artist Bruce Cohen, titled 8 BC, a collection of ten captivating tracks. The album opens with Velvet Teardrops, featuring a scintillating intro where cascading synths craft an intriguing atmosphere, complemented by euphoric transitions.

Another standout is Starry Night, which begins with a surreal, minimalist intro that tugs at the heartstrings. Its delicate nuances and dynamic middle section showcase Cohen’s artistic ingenuity, transcending traditional genres.

A particular highlight is Suite for Ra (our favorite!), an otherworldly journey into the psyche. Its soft buzz and wave-like soundscapes evoke a deeply enthralling experience.

Overall, Cohen’s daring structural experimentation and mastery over sonic innovation impressed us. By venturing beyond conventional musical boundaries, Bruce Cohen offers listeners a glimpse into a realm of creativity only true artists can achieve.

We highly recommend this exceptional album, now streaming on Spotify.

∎ Ethan G, Jukebox Mind, Brooklyn, New York, November 21, 2024

Dance of the Siren (Single)

by Bruce Cohen

8 BC is the 8th album released on the Tarock Music imprint by Blackwood, New Jersey electronic artist Bruce Cohen. Cohen’s approach to 8 BC is unique for him, as the writing and recording process was done without any drums, percussion, or backing tracks. Two synthesizers comprise the extent of the instrumentation, as featured on the single “Dance Of The Siren.”

The ambient record is an exploration of emotion and an array of narratives that pull inspiration from mythology, history, art and Cohen’s own musical past involvement in blues and electronic composition while delving into the Berlin-School style of electronic music.

In particular, Dance of the Siren evolved from the idea of the dances of a mythical creature that slowly catch the eyes and ears of the listener–enrapturing, captivating, and dazzling as the track progresses. Much like the historical narrative of the Sirens’ song, Cohen’s work creates a comfortable sonic layer that soothes and eases ones imagination.

Through Dance Of The Siren and the entirety of 8 BC, Cohen offers a meditative soundtrack of sorts. His songs begin with a thought, a single emotion, upon which he builds storylines using only the tools of his synthesizers. You can dive into 8 BC and the rest of the album on most major streaming services. Begin your journey at tarockmusic.com/2024-8bc-liner-notes/.

∎ Wiley Koepp, Coyote Music, Austin, Texas, November 19, 2024