Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun

Anarcho-anglo storytellers JL&tSS deliver their blend of country-folk/punk - the most energetic, poetic and engaging British folk music in the UK today. In two short years the band have incessantly toured the country alongside the likes of Mumford & Sons, Frank Turner, Dry the River, Johnny Flynn, Alessi’s Ark and Pete Doherty amongst many others, their visceral approach to live performance often takes them from the stage into the crowd for intimate singalong moments, impressing crowds everywhere they go. In mid 2010 they released debut album ‘Atlases’ (produced by MPG Engineer of the year and double Gammy nominated producer James Towler) through istartedthefire records to critical acclaim and airplay from Steve Lamacq on Radio 2, Kerrang Radio and BBC Introducing – including being named BBC Gloucestershire Introducing’s ‘Band of 2010’. During the summer they performed at major and independent festivals such as Big Chill, Wychwood and Y-Not, including the highest attended perfomance on the second stage at 2000 Trees Festival last summer alongside Goldheart Assembly, The Subways and more.

The young quintet draw influence from a plethora of alt. country folk artists and hardcore punk bands alike, opting to mould these influences with a strong political ethic and a ‘play-til-you’re-dead’ attitude to live performance to create an innovative and arresting sound, crammed with hook -filled soaring harmonies, country/punk rhythms and passionately honest lyrics - often likened to Bright Eyes, Frank Turner and Billy Bragg.

Following the huge successes of 2010, this year is already promising more for the band in the form of rebookings for 2000 Trees and Wychwood Festivals, two single releases scheduled for early spring and a string of dates in February alongside fellow Folk-Punk upstart Frank Turner. Being hotly tipped across the board it has never been more imperative to see this band live.