Live Review: Cosmo Pyke - Scala, London 24/11/2023
Back in 2017, at the crest of a burgeoning wave of talented London acts, Peckham born singer-songwriter Cosmo Pyke released his debut EP Just Cosmo – catching the ears of trendy Millennials and Zoomers the world over and racking up some hugely impressive clicks, views, streams and follows in the process. The newcomers appeal stretched far beyond just that of his musical abilities; also an established skateboarder, graffiti artist and model - with both a distinctive look and insouciant charm – the unassuming yet ubiquitous Peckham native possessed the pyrrhic ability to command attention without seeking it; yet it would be a great injustice to detract from the fact that Just Cosmo proved well worthy of the attention it received based on musical merit alone.
With that debut EP, Cosmo introduced his infectious blend of indie, jazz, blues and hip-hop to the world whilst the anthemic, zeitgeisty lyrics on tracks like ‘Social Sites’ and ‘Chronic Sunshine’ were ravenously consumed and spat back out by excitable youngsters at live shows across the UK and beyond.
Now with the long-awaited third EP Curser’s Lament under his belt (released in May this year), Cosmo returns to London for something of a homecoming show and litmus test of his maturing abilities. It’s Cosmo’s biggest show of a short UK and Ireland autumnal tour and the bumper crowd confirms his enduring popularity. The audience remain noticeably on the younger side as the more eager amongst them begin to fill prime vantage points and sway wistfully to the mellifluous sounds of support artist Alice Auer.
“Wow, I can’t believe all of you people are here to watch me play” gushes a humble Cosmo emerging on to the stage flanked by his supporting band members, the magnitude of the occasion clearly not lost on him. But he quickly finds his stride with the first of his slack, jazz-infused indie ballads, ‘Fillet Mignon’. At times reminiscent of a cleaner, Grace/Wastelands era Pete Doherty, Cosmo’s languid stage presence – as he restlessly oscillates beneath the harsh lights whilst arbitrarily jabbing at disjointed jazz chords and improvised segues – perfectly complements the woozy tracks of the recently-released EP, all of which get an airing during the set.
He appears to be at home on the stage, exuding authenticity and a confidence beyond his years and seemingly undeterred by the occasion as he goes on to please his appreciative audience with fan-favourite ‘Social Sites’.
New song ‘Curser’s Lament’ from the eponymous EP, seems to bring together all of the winning formulas of earlier hits, maintaining the slovenly chords and candid lyricism of the EP; observing with sharp-wit and precocious awareness, the formative and unforgiving realm of relationships and young manhood.
An anthemic rendition of ‘Chronic Sunshine’ brings the set to a close, with the crowd singing the lyrics back to the tangibly delighted youngster and, seeing the earnest looks of gratitude and enjoyment, you can’t help but wish him every success.
If you missed this show, fear not as Cosmo has just announced a headline European tour commencing April 2024.
Cosmo Pyke’s 2024 European headline tour dates are:
April 8: Paris, Le Pop Up
April 10: Antwerp, Trix Bar
April 12: Hamburg, Nochtwache
April 13: Copenhagen, Ideal Bar
April 15: Berlin, Privatclub
April 22: Amsterdam, Paradiso – Upstairs
April 24: Manchester, Gorilla
April 25: London, Electric Brixton
Words by Eliot Otelli
