Leopard Jaguar - Loser by Definition

Leopard Jaguar

Loser by Definition
self-released; 2015

3.6 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Josh Derosa is no stranger to being in a band. He was in acts such as The Corporate Slaves, Royal Family and Dead Rabbits. His latest project is a solo effort in which he goes by the moniker Leopard Jaguar. His recent five-song EP Loser by Definition is an eclectic blend of styles that range from electronic to blues and a couple of styles in between. I was reminded of bands like INXS, Depeche Mode, Junior Boys and even NIN. Derosa somehow makes very disparate styles that on paper you wouldn’t expect to work but somehow does. Take for instance, the first song “Primal Man Disaster.”

The verse combines lead synths with metronome like drums that ends up sounding industrial but the breakdown that follows contains vocals that have a bluesy feel.  “Primal Man Disaster” is just the beginning of a seamless integration of styles into a unified whole.

“Mad” sounds like a mix between Junior Boys and NIN. It starts with rapid firing of drums and electronic elements. The synths break apart as Derosa laments about something getting out of his head. Without warning Derosa gains confidence as he starts exclaiming that he is “mad good looking.”

“Burn To Win” utilizes guitar and has a backdoor blues vibe. Derosa sounds eerily similar to Michael Hutchence from INXS when the chorus hit. Great stuff. The highlight of the EP may be the most subdued song entitled “Run Rabbit Run.” Everything about the song is soft and fragile but it also contains a great vocal performance.

He closes with a short two-minute upbeat track entitled “Broke My Teeth” which was a solid parting song that gave you a dose of energy.

Derosa accomplishes a lot with this EP. He isn’t afraid to experiment and the results are often successful. Loser By Definition is a good start as a solo artist.

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