Planet 81 is the sonic world of Phoenix-based songwriter and producer Justin Cohn, and with his latest single, “Rhythm Rock,” he proves once again that his music isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past—it’s a vibrant reimagining of it. After the success of his 2024 full-length debut Escape!! …to Planet 81, which drew praise for its throwback ’80s vibe and irresistible hooks, Cohn is back with a track that feels both timeless and freshly alive. Where Escape!! leaned into an emulated home studio setup straight out of 1981, “Rhythm Rock” takes the concept further, swapping out Linndrum samples for the warmth of live drums and locking into a groove that’s as sly and confident as it is danceable.
Written in a songwriting workshop with Dave Longstreth of the Dirty Projectors and recorded in Cohn’s home studio, “Rhythm Rock” shows just how much depth can come from simplicity. Featuring drums by Gal Petel, the track finds its power in rhythm itself—an ode to the steady pulse that keeps us grounded. For Cohn, the rhythm rock is more than just music; it’s a metaphor for life’s cycles. The planet spins, perspectives shift, but the beat never stops. In that continuity, we find both peace and confidence.
There’s a subtle Steely Dan influence running through the track, balancing sharp humor with a deep pocket that makes every note feel intentional. At the same time, “Rhythm Rock” retains the hook-driven, indie-pop edge that made Escape!! stand out as more than retro pastiche. It’s music crafted with an analog heart but alive in the modern world, inviting listeners to both move and reflect.
With his upcoming full-length record due in late 2025, Planet 81 is carving a space for himself where past and present blur into something that feels entirely its own. “Rhythm Rock” isn’t just a single—it’s a statement that rhythm, like life, is constant motion, and the beauty is in how we learn to move with it.
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