John Cozz - "Railroad Tracks (Half Mast)"

Bloomfield, New Jersey’s John Cozz has developed a very New Jersey-centric persona. He loves Taylor Ham. His 2019 music video for “Braincation” features a minute-long ode to his ideal specifications for his favorite breakfast sandwich and the title of his second full-length, Salt, Pepper, Ketchup, pays homage to its ideal set of toppings. And while this may seem funny on the surface, his songs tend to take on deeper meanings in a unique way. 

His last single, “Who’s Going To Take Over Jeopardy?” showcased his distinct brand of tongue in cheek lyricism as a means to cope with two of life’s most challenging and constant themes: change and death. His lyrical wit is also one of the most charming aspects of his latest single, “Railroad Tracks (Half Mast),” as the song blends his own personal, anxiety-inducing experiences with a large scale critique of society. Commuting to work eventually devolves into a rapid-fire internal dialogue on the current ills of American society. In the vein of anti-folk with an almost stream of consciousness delivery, Cozz rails against consumerism, exploitation of tragedy, and more, in a sharp track that’ll get you thinking, and maybe make you feel even more neurotic than you already are!