LA artist Jonny Kosmo shares solid synth-heavy pop debut

Los Angeles-based artist, Jonny Kosmo, is no stranger to solid grooves. On Kosmo‘s synth-heavy debut, released March 1, 2019, he shares a solid 11-song set, which was recorded in Los Angeles, California at Studio 22 by seasoned producer, Tomas Dolas.

The album starts off with “Prelude,” a synth-heavy introduction that only has one other song in common. It is a great track that would be an epic opening to his live show. However, the song ends out of nowhere without any resolution and leaves the listener wanting more.

Overall, Kosmo‘s debut album paints a bright and colorful sound, especially with the second track of the album, “Get Down To Get Down.” The song has an obvious jazz influence, as does “Parrots Of Highland Park.” Each song has a different style, while also maintaining Kosmo’s distinct hand in them, and never repeating the same sound twice. This is rare of musicians, especially when their songs play off a certain style.

While the songs are great overall, the mixing is a bit muddy at times. The instruments are often times overpowering the vocals.  However, the wide range of instruments, including various percussion instruments, is noteworthy since they add a new flavor to each song while holding true to Kosmo’s style.

Each track has a different sound and theme, with the lyrics drawing heavily from Kosmo’s theatre background. Kosmo has a natural storytelling ability that is illustrated in each track on the record. Each song has its own vibe that leads the listener on a new adventure. The instruments add to the feel and setting of each song, transporting the listener to the location of the song.

One track in particular, “Strawberry Vision,” is written by a true songwriter. Kosmo paints musical images with various sounds, sights, and other senses to help the listener get an idea of what is being experienced.

Even though the mixing is not perfect, it almost adds to the rawness and beauty of each song, adding character to an album that is already so distinct and colorful. The lyrics and the instruments all work together to tell the stories and emotions behind each song in an authentic way.

Track List:
1. Prelude
2. Come Down to Get Down
3. Parrots of Highland Park
4. Jessica Triangle
5. Strawberry Vision feat. KC Rabbit
6. Circus of Dreams
7. Lazy Susan
8. Married to the Gun
9. We Are Not Alone
10. Overgrown
11. Floating

Take a listen to more from Jonny Kosmo via Spotify, Google Play, Bandcamp, and Soundcloud.