Can someone explain something for me? Jeans with elasticated ankle
cuffs. They seem to be absolutely everywhere at the moment. It's sinister.
This summer's must-have atrocity-apparel bar none! Horrible. Fashion roadkill!
I cannot imagine for a moment, however, that any of the members of
Brighton-based band Goodluck Jonathan would be seen dead in a pair of them.
Their debut album 'This Is Our Way Out', stitched together from three
previously released EPs, shows a sense of innate style which has little
interest or investment in following current trends. Their music is a
robust, no-frills and energetic display of shut-up-and-get-on-with-it
rock ("math-rock", according to some more in the know than I - who thinks
up these wayward sub-genre headings for goodness sake!) It's tough stuff!
In Nick Brookes the ensemble has found a fine front man. His no-nonsense
vocals imbue these eleven songs with a fine rough-and-ready intensity.
Notwithstanding his propensity to wilfully drop consonants like dead birds
falling from the sky he has a fine, expressive and powerful voice.
The angular, jangling arrangements rip along at a cracking pace throwing
sparks off the rails in all directions. They are clearly enjoying themselves!
The punkish charms of 'Fall Of America', where Mr Brookes declares that
he would have "...neva thought this would 'appen" , displays an admirable
ability to dig-in and get on with it. Angular, brash and invigorating.
Opening track 'Bruises Disappear' packs a considerable punch too; a dense,
pulsing arrangement which ploughs its furrow with singular feral intent.
'Away From Here' displays a tad more restraint and light and shade and
sports some well-considered vocal harmonies to soften the blows a little and
final, title track, 'This Is Our Way Out', with its sombre spoken narrative
brings the project to a close with a curiously poignant question mark.
I have a feeling that 'This Is Our Way Out' may be Goodluck Jonathan's way in.
Recommended.