Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun
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Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun

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""Death has never sounded so appealing" 5/5"

5/5 - There's been plenty of hype surrounding Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun for a good 18 months, and to say there's an air of anticipation around 'Death' is an understatement. Fortunately - and somewhat emphatically - 'Death' is a triumph. Equal parts Gaslight Anthem, early noughties alt-country/emo titans Chamberlain and Frank Turner, it's a heady mix of heart-on-sleeve lyrics, hands in the air melodies and blue-collar anthems. Musically, it's similarly eclectic, with the uptempo punk blast of lead single 'A Song About Death' demanding immediate attention, while the likes of Bright Eyes-esque 'Wishing Well' and the dramatic 'Everything and the Heart' showcase the bands more measured side. - BIG CHEESE Magazine


""Death has never sounded so appealing" 5/5"

5/5 - There's been plenty of hype surrounding Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun for a good 18 months, and to say there's an air of anticipation around 'Death' is an understatement. Fortunately - and somewhat emphatically - 'Death' is a triumph. Equal parts Gaslight Anthem, early noughties alt-country/emo titans Chamberlain and Frank Turner, it's a heady mix of heart-on-sleeve lyrics, hands in the air melodies and blue-collar anthems. Musically, it's similarly eclectic, with the uptempo punk blast of lead single 'A Song About Death' demanding immediate attention, while the likes of Bright Eyes-esque 'Wishing Well' and the dramatic 'Everything and the Heart' showcase the bands more measured side. - BIG CHEESE Magazine


""Considered and Corking Debut set from Rising UK Rockers" KKKK"

KKKK - At a time when record labels are imploding and crumbling like impacted molars, England's Xtra Mile is fast becoming one of the most intriguing imprints for thoughtful and impassioned music. With this remit in mind, the oddly titled 'Death' fits into the label's canon with graceful ease. Described by Frank Turner as being one of the best singer-songwriters he's ever met, here Jim Lockey combines his compositional talents with the weave and swerve of a cracking band (The Solemn Sun) to deliver a set that is emotive but never emo, dramatic but never melodramatic. Better yet, that talent comes wrapped in acoustic-led songs that bristle with energy redolent of punk rock record collections and live concerts in hot rooms. A blast. - KERRANG Magazine


""Considered and Corking Debut set from Rising UK Rockers" KKKK"

KKKK - At a time when record labels are imploding and crumbling like impacted molars, England's Xtra Mile is fast becoming one of the most intriguing imprints for thoughtful and impassioned music. With this remit in mind, the oddly titled 'Death' fits into the label's canon with graceful ease. Described by Frank Turner as being one of the best singer-songwriters he's ever met, here Jim Lockey combines his compositional talents with the weave and swerve of a cracking band (The Solemn Sun) to deliver a set that is emotive but never emo, dramatic but never melodramatic. Better yet, that talent comes wrapped in acoustic-led songs that bristle with energy redolent of punk rock record collections and live concerts in hot rooms. A blast. - KERRANG Magazine


Discography

England's Dead (Single 2012) Xtra Mile Recordings
Death (Album 2012) Xtra Mile Recordings
Atlases (Album 2010) istartedthefire Records

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Bio

Hotly tipped Cheltenham quartet, Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun deliver their blend of Alt.County/Rock with the passion and vigour of the greats. Recently signed to Xtra Mile Recordings, and championed by label mate Frank Turner, the band have kicked off 2012 in earnest. These early months have seen the band named as one of NME’s ‘bands to watch’, perform at SXSW Festival and release their eagerly awaited album 'Death' to critical acclaim and airplay on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show.

‘Death’ – released on 9th April 2012 through Xtra Mile Recordings – is a passionate, poetic and engaging album making them one of the most exciting new bands in British music. Produced by Peter Miles (King Blues, Crazy Arm, Futures) ‘Death’ encapsulates the band’s vast sound as the young quartet draw from a plethora of influences including alt.country folk and hardcore punk. Showcasing their incredible storytelling talent ‘Death’ takes listeners on a journey with soaring tracks such as ‘Everything And The Heart’ and ‘New Natives’ sitting elegantly with more stark songs like ‘Our Fathers’ which bring Jim’s incredible voice and lyrics to the fore. Glorious album opener, ‘England’s Dead’ – with its spiralling song structure – and anthemic follow up ‘A Song About Death’ alongside anarcho-folk banger ‘Warriors’ and the introspective ‘Home / Hospitals’ have secured the album accolades and support from contemporaries and press alike.

The bands visceral approach to live shows creates an innovative and arresting sound; crammed with hook -filled soaring harmonies, country/punk rhythms and passionately honest lyrics - likened to Bright Eyes, Frank Turner and The Gaslight Anthem In three short years these anarcho-anglo rockers have incessantly toured the country, including as main support on Frank Turner’s February 2011 UK Tour plus shows alongside the likes of Mumford & Sons, Dry the River, Johnny Flynn, Alessi’s Ark and Pete Doherty.