Since Pulp went on indefinite hiatus three years ago, front man and national treasure elect Jarvis Cocker has dabbled in a variety of projects. He released an album with Richard Hawley under the Relaxed Muscle moniker, teamed up with members of Radiohead as the Hogwarts house band and most recently co-wrote Charlotte Gainsbourg's album with Neil Hannon and Air.
Finally, a quarter of a century since forming Pulp, the man with the thick rimmed glasses known simply as Jarv has set about making his debut solo record. Running The World is the first taste of it, and it is as lyrically uncompromising a piece as anything Cocker has written. Opening with a chord sequence suggestive of The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony, a reverb-laden mix places Cocker's instantly recognisable Sheffield baritone drawl centre stage.
From there he unleashes an expletive-laden chorus that ensures the track gets only a limited vinyl and download release. And while the "c" word is sprinkled liberally throughout - the "f" word pops up too - it doesn't feel forced or sensationalist. Instead it's unbridled anger from a man setting himself up as a champion of the working classes, whose views of the ruling elite are searing. In amongst the political points are some glorious rhyming couplets too, but wired in to a sense of unique purpose. He's not forgotten how to write a catchy melody either.
Welcome back Jarv - we've missed you more than you know.
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