UK-based solo artist One Cure For Man, also known as James Parkinson, has gifted us with another incredible single. “Everything (Promise Me)” is a powerful, catchy, and toe tapping thrill ride from start to finish. I defy anyone not to bop their head along to this one, the beats provided by Parkinson’s brother Ben on drums are impeccable and provide the perfect backbone for the stunning track.

A feature that has almost become Parkinson’s signature is reflected once again, as upbeat music plays host to lyrics that convey deeply personal emotions, and are guaranteed to make you think, as well as feel. “Everything (Promise Me)” speaks of inner perceptions and how we view the world. These views are inevitably different for each of us, which the track manages to capture, whilst also offering a very real and in-depth insight into Parkinson’s own worldview. 

The key to this track is definitely perception. Not everything is as it appears and how we see and feel the world around us is driven by our own inner experiences. That voice inside your head that makes sense of all that is going on around you. And in doing so, whether it entices you towards positivity and goodness, or negativity and darkness. Does it soothe or provoke? 

The entire lyrical and message of “Everything (Promise Me)” is just so intelligent and beautifully written. The more you listen to it, the more you think, seeming to discover a little something more each time. And this one is definitely a joy to re-listen to many times. Musically, it is just so beautifully constructed. 

As always, Parkinson’s guitar work is wonderful. There is just enough shred to make you want to take notice, without letting it take over completely. His solo blends perfectly into the track, understated, yet glorious. The track has this gorgeously eclectic feel to it that you can only get when rock is done this well.

The video for “Everything (Promise Me)” is more genius from Parkinson. What at first seems like a simple juxtaposition between old and new, actually creates an almost stifling, trapped feeling, yet also a sense of hope and innocence. Filmed in Parkinson’s garage, the video features his own children, Leo and Dylan, as well as his younger brother and himself in home movies shot by their father, the late Allan Parkinson of Slack Alice. Fittingly, young James and Ben are trying their hand at being rock stars in the old footage, which brings a smile that only the innocent joy of youth can stir.

“Everything (Promise Me)” is the third collaboration Parkinson has done with producer Matt Heap of Honeyspider, following December 2020’s “Humble,” and so far, this partnership has resulted in musical brilliance. More is to come, with Parkinson planning on releasing a four track EP in 2021, giving us even more to look forward to from this amazingly gifted artist.  

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.