Jarvis Cocker

Further Complications (Rough Trade)

By Selena Fragassi
Published: May 22nd, 2009 | 7:00am

Sometime after the hiatus of Pulp and recording his first solo album, 2006’s Jarvis (Rough Trade), Jarvis Cocker found rock… and they fell in love. Cocker’s latest, Further Complications (Rough Trade), tells the story of their courtship and how two seemingly opposites came to attract.

Recorded in Chicago by the noted Steve Albini, Cocker’s transatlantic journey may have given him more breathing room to explore new musical territory, but it’s clearly Albini’s expertise for progression and innovation that builds the tiered layers of this complex effort.

From the Kinks-meets-Doors attitude of the title track to the electric energy of “Angela” and screeching scorn of “Caucasian Blues,” there is no doubt that the perfect match has been made — extrapolated by an undeniable chemistry which illustrates that this former Brit-popper has found a new mating call. While each song spotlights Cocker’s street smart, cockney vocals, it’s the alternating melodies and visionary instrumentation that really connect the dots. More than a solo effort, Cocker’s latest album builds upon a lacking group dynamic, utilizing the talented roster of musicians for more than just surface support. Bassist Steve Mackay is a shining example, also belting out a searing saxophone solo on “Homewrecker!” that recalls his days on the Stooges’ Fun House (Elektra).

Further Complications leaves nary a dull moment: At once swept up in the nostalgia of classic rock on “Leftovers,” the next minute spinning through the ‘70s-inspired psychedelic trip of “Pilchard,” before preparing for the slow descent on “Slush” and the ballad-happy “I Never Said I Was Deep.” Each song gives the impression of successful radio play or a handpicked soundtrack title, without the pretension of being crafted solely for mass appeal — even if that is the reaction it indeed gets.

What works for Further Complications is the uncontained energy and excitement of a relationship in its beginning stages — for those who believe in true love, we can only hope that Jarvis Cocker and rock music don’t break up anytime soon.

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