Cosmo Jarvis is cut from rare cloth. A man of many hands, he stands firm in the ‘do-it-yourself’ mind-frame that seems to have slithered out of fashion in the age of musical inertia. With over 270 songs and 65 videos and short films lining his pockets at the seedling age of twenty-one, he’s definitely a chap with something to say to the world, and the means with which to say it.
Citing John Lennon, Elliott Smith and the legendary experimental forefather Frank Zappa as major influences, Cosmo demands at least a flicker of interest. Creeping his way into the limelight since 2008, he’s performed alongside acts such as Muse, Gabriella Cilmi and Gym Class Heroes. With off-hand lyrical introspection, he shares his soul in the refreshing, casual and wit-drenched way of the mockney generation…minus the drawling accent.
His latest single; ‘Gay Pirates’ from his upcoming album ‘Is The World Strange Or Am I Strange?’, has been released with a self-directed video to boot; a five minute, swashbuckling anthem about the trials and troubles of true love at sea. A love song in its quirkiest form: light-hearted and more contagious than a cold in a cave, and perhaps with as much hidden depth as the seven seas themselves. From pissing in cups and dating Jessica Alba, it seems that Cosmo Jarvis may be keying into matters a little more widespread, and dare I say it; emotive in his latest album.
‘Gay Pirates’ spins the yarn of two male lovers and the discrimination they have to contend with in the brutality of the golden age of piracy. Set against buccaneering beats lies a strangely heart-wrenching tale of forbidden love. Wound with lyrics such as “This water is too salty/for me to even drink” and “I hope they didn’t tie up/ your hands as tight as mine/ I’ll see you on the bed of this/ blue ocean, babe sometime”, there’s an essence of something soulful within every word, and conveyed alongside Cosmo’s light-hearted charisma stems a moving kind of harmony. Not too romantic, and not too coarse, you’re left with a lingering and unexpected feeling of fulfilment.
The video portrays the love story in the form of a theatre production, and really does display Cosmo’s directorial talent; every visual element, from costumes to lighting to props is perfect for its purpose, and as a whole, creates something that you actually want to watch. And keep watching. A feast for the eyes and ears alike, something pretty special has been crafted here. With two burly pirates beating drums either side of the stage, and the action of the narrative holding your attention at the centre, there’s always something to fill your eyes.
As the story unfolds, the usual protagonist bonds are formed with Cosmo and his lover, and watching them being beaten down by a crew of leering, homophobic shipmates brings a certain air of compassion. It kind of gives you a niggling urge to jump on board ship with a stern; “now, now” and churn out lectures of equality. The video ends with a curtain call kiss, telling the viewer that true love really does conquer all – even a rabble of pissed-off pirates who put glass in your shoes and enjoy a bit of the old keelhaulin’.
Whatever ‘Gay Pirates’ is, or whatever it’s supposed to be, a reflection of society clad in marauder get-up, or just a bit of fun, it certainly sends out an important message to those who need to hear it. And needless to say, there are many who do. Cosmo Jarvis appears to be an exceptionally unique and heartfelt performer who can keep the firm threads of fun alive in even the most empathetic sociological stabs. It’s not something you see every day, and it’s something pretty special. Expect to hear his name creeping up more and more frequently, for a talent like this is not to be missed.
Already armed with the support of the likes of Steve Lamacq and Jarvis Cocker, ‘Gay Pirates‘ is released on January 23rd.
To keep up-to-date with Cosmo’s ventures, visit his Myspace: myspace.com/cosmojarvis.
(Alisha Riley)
Wonderful article