Cosmic Country Comfort: David James Allen Finds Hope in the Grind with “Platform No. 12 (Old Friends)”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Canadian songwriter David James Allen continues to carve out his distinctive niche of introspective Americana, country-folk, and psych-folk with his single “Platform No. 12 (Old Friends)” (released August 14, 2025, via Littleknown Records). The track is an evocative preview of his forthcoming album, Jubilation Potpourri, set for release in 2026. This single showcases Allen’s signature blend of rootsy melancholy, vivid storytelling, and unexpected cosmic undertones, confirming his place among the most compelling contemporary artists in the Canadian roots scene.
Artist Background: A Roots Auteur with a Psychedelic Soul
Based in Prince Edward County, Ontario, David James Allen is a prolific multi-hyphenate artist, serving as a songwriter, producer, graphic designer, and multi-instrumentalist. His musical style is often described as channeling classic acts like JJ Cale, The Band, Bob Dylan, and Townes Van Zandt, filtered through a lens of ’60s/’70s baroque pop and psychedelic sounds, creating a unique “cosmic country” feel.
Allen has steadily built a remarkable body of work over the last decade, with albums like When The Demons Come (2017), Radiations (2020), The Architect (2021), and By The Summertime (2023). Critics have lauded his music for its literary songwriting, tangibly honest vocals, and musically sophisticated arrangements that blend alt-country, folk, blues, and psych. His move from Toronto to Prince Edward County seems to have amplified a more introspective and prolific artistic period, leading to a constant pursuit of authenticity in his craft.
Single Review: “Platform No. 12 (Old Friends)”
“Platform No. 12 (Old Friends)” is instantly captivating, opening with an image as indelible as any classic folk song: “When I left that Greyhound station, spent my money on weed and wine.” The track quickly establishes a narrative deeply rooted in the harsh realities of working life and personal financial strain. Allen wrote the song following a layoff, an experience that drove him to reflect on the collective weight of responsibility, loss, and the relentless grind so many people face.
Production and Sound
The song possesses a haunting, immersive production that perfectly complements its theme. Allen, who often acts as his own producer/engineer, layers instruments—including bass, drums, piano, and guitar, all played by him—to create a sound that is both intimate and expansive. The instrumentation has a warm, analogue quality; the drums and bass lay down a slightly funky, gentle groove reminiscent of the more soulful side of The Band. The guitar work is tasteful, offering expressive counter-melodies and subtle, shimmering textures that provide the track’s cosmic element.
Lyrical Depth
Lyrically, the song is a masterclass in empathetic storytelling. It doesn’t dwell in despair but instead searches for a remedy. The “Platform No. 12” metaphor subtly suggests a point of transition—the place where one waits for a journey, but also where one reconnects. The true healing, Allen suggests, isn’t found in material gain but in human connection and “old friends.” It’s a beautifully simple, universal truth delivered without sentimentality. The lyrics effectively elevate a personal struggle (being the sole provider, the pressure of bills) into a shared, timeless folk theme.
Vocal Performance
Allen’s vocals are rich with personality, grit, and grace. His voice has a weary, lived-in quality, delivering the reflective lyrics with genuine conviction. There’s an unmistakable honesty in his performance that anchors the song, ensuring that even as the music drifts toward a psychedelic lilt, the core narrative remains grounded and profoundly human.
Conclusion
“Platform No. 12 (Old Friends)” is an instant cosmic-country classic. It’s a reminder of Allen’s rare ability to blend the poetic vulnerability of the classic singer-songwriter with the textured, exploratory sound of psychedelic folk-rock. It is a song about the fear of the future, but more importantly, about the undying hope that can be found in turning to the past—not to live in it, but to find the strength of old bonds. It’s an exceptionally strong teaser for Jubilation Potpourri and a compelling entry point for anyone yet to discover David James Allen’s remarkably profound body of work. Highly Recommended.