Allan Jamisen’s The Coalition is not an easy listen. From the very first beat, it hits you with this cold, tense energy that doesn’t let up. I kept waiting for something lighter, something catchy to pull me in, but it never comes. That’s kind of the point, I guess. This is a song that wants you to sit in the dark and think or maybe feel uncomfortable while you do nothing at all.
The music itself is weirdly addictive. There’s this trip-hop rhythm driving it, but then industrial sounds creep in, all harsh and metallic. And just when you think it’s just grim and mechanical, little flashes of jazz brass pop up. They’re subtle, almost mocking, like the song knows it’s messing with you. Jamisen’s voice sits on top of all this like he’s watching you, calm but serious. When he says lines like “This insulated coalition preys upon its own volition,” it feels like a warning more than lyrics.
Lyrically, the track doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It’s a direct jab at politics, military power, and big money — and how they all feed off each other while the rest of us just watch. That repeated line, “It’s better than before,” got under my skin. At first, it sounds almost casual, like a throwaway line. By the third repeat, it’s terrifying. It’s that slow creep of rationalized violence that Jamisen is trying to expose, and it works.
Honestly, part of what makes The Coalition hit is knowing Jamisen’s history. He’s been everywhere, done everything from gospel choirs to underground LA bands to Copenhagen art scenes, and it shows. He’s not here to charm anyone or make radio hits. This is someone speaking from experience, and yeah, it’s dark, but it’s real. I’m not sure I’ll listen to it on repeat, but I can’t stop thinking about it either.
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