Humasyouhitch/Sonofabitch

Cosmo Jarvis

Wall of Sound

2009-11-16

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New Jersey born, Devon raised singer/songwriter Cosmo Jarvis never intended to be a musician.  An all round artist, Jarvis started experimenting with filmmaking on VHS when he was barely 12 years old, often focusing on the ‘Jackass’ style dare film. From his early dabbling, his artistic flair has developed and he has grown into a storyteller, poet and songwriter.  Having come to the attention of Wall of Sound’s MD Mark Jones at the tender age of 18, Jarvis has refocused his attention on defining his sound for his debut double album Humasyouhitch/Sonofabitch.

Pitching himself somewhere between Eminem meeting Billy Bragg or The Streets meeting The Arctic Monkeys, Jarvis has an interesting and current sound.  Dividing a debut album into two distinct halves is a worthwhile move, allowing him to explore both his boisterous (Humasyouhitch) and sincere (Sonofabitch) sides.  Throughout Jarvis remains cocky and witty but has an inane charm that makes the record increasingly appealing whether singing about girlfriend induced boners (“Mel’s Song”) or his alcoholic mother (“Mummy’s Been Drinking”).

A stunning debut from a talented 19-year-old.

“If I went to Jessica Simpson, she’d think I was an ignoramus. And if I tried to talk to Cameron Diaz she’d say, ‘Get lost, boy, I’m famous’”.. Lyrically Jarvis takes a leaf out of the Turner school of songwriting, with humour being his forte.  Highlights include the genius “Jessica Alba’s Number” and the Eminem inspired “Clean My Room”.

Somewhat surprisingly, Jarvis tends to stick to a traditional pop song composition throughout.  With his trusty acoustic guitar, Jarvis composes jaunty, slightly offbeat pop.  “She’s Got You” is the most radio friendly track on offer, quirky and upbeat with an addictive hook, you will have it stuck in your head for hours. 

Humasyouhitch/Sonofabitch is a stunning debut from a talented 19-year-old.  However, Jarvis is not a traditional popstar, nor would it appear that he would wish to be.  Jarvis may well prove to be this year’s marmite, loved and hated in equal measure.