Jarvis Cocker is to release a 7” EP of music written for the TV series Likely Stories.

“Four grubby tales set in all night cafes, low rent drinking dens and doctor’s surgeries," Jarvis said. "I didn't have to leave my comfort zone for this assignment."

Jarvis worked on the score for the series with musicians Alasdair Malloy (percussionist to Scott Walker), Serafina Steer, Sarah Anderson, Jenny Moore (collectively known as Bas Jan), Martin Slattery (The Hours, Black Grape) & drummer Tom Skinner (Melt Yourself Down). Adrian Utley (Portishead) makes a guest appearance playing synth & Swarmatron on the Main Theme.

The series is the work of directors Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard “20,000 Days on Earth & is based on 4 short stories by Carnegie Medal award winning author Neil Gaiman. The first episode will air on May 26 on Sky Arts at 9pm.

Watch the trailer to the series below.

The tracks on the EP are:

SIDE 1
1: 'Theme from Likely Stories'
a full-length version of the music heard over the opening titles of each episode.
With a beat. & A female choir.
2: 'FORAGING'
from the episode “Feeders & Eaters”. An inter-generational love affair goes too far.
The lyrics list edible fungi found in the UK.

SIDE 2
1: 'LOOKING FOR THE GIRL'
from the episode of the same name.
An ageing photographer reveals the unlikely identity of his muse.
2: 'POOR BABES IN THE WOODS'
from the episode 'Closing Time'.
Friends gather in an after-hours bar to swop “true” ghost stories.
One tale - of an after-school encounter - leads to the unearthing of a dark secret.

The full EP will be also available
to stream and buy digitally on Friday 27th May.