Following in the success of single 'Gay Pirates', Cosmo Jarvis returns with his latest EP in support of his forthcoming second album. Not one to rest his laurels, the EP further demonstrates the talent and charm of a songwriter with the potential to achieve mainstream success.
The EP opens with the eponymous title track and sees quant acoustic strums accompanying Cosmo’s innocent vocals. The chorus offers a sharp change of direction as a rush of electric guitars and banjos crash against Cosmo’s sudden wailings. The contrast between quirky verses and soaring choruses highlights both the diversity and strength of Cosmo’s songwriting. As the track progresses, guitar solos and additional vocals join the congregation in what makes for an enthralling listen.
Next follows ‘What’s Wrong With Betty Part 1’ which appears to begin life as a homage to Slipknot. However, the haze of guitars soon descends as ska-esque guitar riffs underpin Jarvis’s coarse vocals and swirling psychedelic keyboards. Although it may seem to be an odd collection of sounds and ideas, it succeeds due to the charm and catchiness of Jarvis’ songwriting.
‘Road Closed’ is a far more sombre affair and is the EP’s strongest track. Jarvis decides to cast aside the eccentricities that characterised the previous two tracks, a decision that enables the song to resonate on an emotional level. Gentle guitars shine the light on Jarvis’ bruised vocals and the introspective lyrics.
Final track ‘Why Do Angels Make Me Cry’ acts as a collage of the EP’s many features. Whilst harnessing the eccentricity of previous tracks by adopting various tempo changes throughout, the ska-esque guitars and blistering guitar solos give way to an anthemic chorus and showcases the confidence that Jarvis has in his abilities. The song makes for a fitting end to an EP that never fails to entertain or intrigue.
In short, what makes Jarvis’s music succeed is his charisma and unique songwriting. All the various ideas, concepts and sounds explored on the EP flourish due to the strength of their delivery. The EP suggests a songwriter who is not satisfied by exploring one single genre and aims to constantly experiment with his songwriting. It remains to be seen whether commercial success for Cosmo Jarvis is dependent upon him taming the eccentricity and diversity of his music. Nonetheless, this EP showcases Cosmo Jarvis as an artist of great talent who hopefully will earn the wider audience that his music so clearly deserves.
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The EP opens with the eponymous title track and sees quant acoustic strums accompanying Cosmo’s innocent vocals. The chorus offers a sharp change of direction as a rush of electric guitars and banjos crash against Cosmo’s sudden wailings. The contrast between quirky verses and soaring choruses highlights both the diversity and strength of Cosmo’s songwriting. As the track progresses, guitar solos and additional vocals join the congregation in what makes for an enthralling listen. 
