Christian Cohle’s latest single Oh It Must Be Nice is a track that immediately catches you off guard. It’s not because it’s loud or brash, but because of how quietly hypnotic it is. From the moment that soft funky soul-tinged instrumental kicks in, you’re in a world of this smooth, looping beat that refuses to let go. There’s a pulse running through it, steady, cinematic, and unshakably cool.
Vocally, Cohle’s delivery is slow, deliberate, and almost conversational at times, but it’s that understated confidence that makes it work, especially in contrast to the instrumental. There’s range and warmth when he leans into the pre-chorus, showing flashes of vulnerability beneath the calm. For me, it immediately gave me flashes of Mikel Jollett (The Airborne Toxic Event) when I heard this first. It’s got that same distinct tone that balances storytelling and emotion so well.
Lyrically, the track sits somewhere between longing and reflection. Lines like “It must be nice to have someone to close your eyes with at night” and “Sometimes I hurt so bad” are some standouts in a track full of vulnerability. It’s confessional but also controlled, the sound of someone holding up their flaws to the light and admitting it’s not always easy to look at. Knowing the song came after a phone call with a friend who’d found love adds another layer. It’s not jealousy, it’s that mix of happiness and self-awareness that hits when you realise someone else has what you’re still searching for.
What makes Oh It Must Be Nice stand out is how much it fits into its four-minute frame without ever feeling rushed. The hypnotic beat stays constant, acting almost like a heartbeat under the confessional lyrics. It’s music that feels both intimate and cinematic, a contrast that perfectly sums up where Cohle is right now as an artist stepping confidently into his next chapter. Oh It Must Be Nice is an understated but deeply personal release. Vulnerable, stylish, and emotionally honest without ever feeling heavy-handed.
A slow-burner that rewards repeat listens. 7.5 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography
Cover art – credit – Narayan Van Maele