SXSW 2012

Tipped by the NME as one of the 100 bands to check out in 2012 and recently signed to Xtra Mile Recordings (Against Me!, Frank Turner) Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun make their maiden voyage to the States for SXSW 2012. In two short years these anarcho-anglo storytellers have incessantly toured the UK, 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. In the summer they also performed at numerous festivals such as the Big Chill, Beautiful Days, Wychwood and Y-Not, including a packed performance as headliners on the second stage at 2000trees. Their second album, titled ‘Death’, due out in April 2012, encapsulates the bands vast sound into 11 tracks, produced by Peter Miles (King Blues, Crazy Arm, Futures) the young quartet draw from a plethora of influences including alt. country folk and hardcore punk. Coupled with a strong political ethic and a “play-till-you’re-dead” attitude ‘Death’ is an innovative and arresting record, crammed with hook-filled soaring harmonies, innovative rhythms and passionately honest lyrics.