All Our Good Friends – Promise

• 21st Feb 2008

London based Johnny Daukes AKA All Our Good Friends (who participated in a lengthy interview here [link]), has released an early contender for most pleasantly surprising LP of 2008. ‘Promise’ is as far removed from the acerbic, sarcasm filled music that you could perhaps expect from a man brimming with such open tongue in cheekiness and vibrancy. So, what’s it like I hear you cry…

Despite its undeniable fragility, this LP carries the weight of its heavy subject matter with a subtle flamboyance and flair that remains cleverly masked behind an understated yet emotive delivery. Upholding a more grounded Pink Floyd vibe as it travels, it touches upon the sounds of Smog/Bill Callahan, Radiohead, Pulp, Drugstore, Frames and like so many other things I suppose, The Beatles.

The thought provoking lyrics (that vividly summon pictures every bit as well as Pulps ‘Different Class’ LP) instantly and almost constantly engage, shifting from a Jarvis Cockersome deadpaniety to a less favourable, high pitch Thom Yorkeiness throughout. Accessibility is maintained that seldom (not entirely) leaves the listener wondering just what delicate utterances were heard here and there. The lyrics are also included inside the CD sleeve, albeit in a harder to read layout than with Becks ‘Sea Change’ sleeve (really!).

The simplicity and stripped down feel of the LP is wondrous and considering that there’s actually quite a lot going on with backing vocals, layered mixing and other interwoven sound effects, its all as easy to listen to as one of St Peters lullabies. Sure, there are cynical, eerie and maybe even sinister moments, but each is pulled off gracefully. And that’s the kind of soul bearing you want, right? We can all yelp and scream for sure, but why bother when this method kicks ass every bit as hard?! Bravo AOGF, for producing a CD with far more than promise.