Never Enough Notes e-zine // reviews + interviews + music

Singer and songwriter Cosmo Jarvis, tonight accompanied by a full band, describes himself as both a poet and a storyteller. This evening it was the turn of a moderate audience at London’s Koko venue to sit back and hopefully enjoy this brand of comical indie folk.

After confidently swaggering onto stage and introducing himself, Cosmo begins his set with a swooning version of debut album track ‘Clean My Room’, but with technical difficulties to overcome this gig wasn’t off to the best of starts. However, after braving his way through these teething problems this London audience was then treated to an energetic performance of interestingly named ‘Crazy Screwed Up Lady’, a track which also featured on debut album ‘Hum As You Hitch, Son Of A Bitch’ and is due for release as his next single.

With limited stage time available Cosmo and his band hurry through a selection of tracks all displaying his signature style of folk music and storytelling, mixed together with some light hearted comedy lyrics. Some songs seem hit and miss with tonight’s spectators, but all demonstrate what is clearly a well-rehearsed and polished performance.

After making good use of his acoustic guitar and mandolin, Cosmo Jarvis stops briefly like any rising musician would to plug his album, before promptly continuing with vigorous performances of ‘She’s Got You’ and ‘Jesus’ both of which earn a pleasantly positive response from this Camden crowd.

To finish his set, Mr Jarvis and his fellow musicians choose to perform the intriguingly titled ‘Gay Pirates’, a track worthy of concluding any gig, as this soulful folk ditty see’s a noticeable rise in excitement with the crowd chanting along to Cosmo’s infectious lyrics.

6/10
By Tom Collins