Album
Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun
Death
Xtra Mile Recordings (label)
09 April 2012 (released)
15 May 2012
If you’re wondering whatever happened to the kind of abrasive punk-folk Billy Bragg used to make, which is not, of course, to suggest that Mr. Bragg isn’t still doing it anymore, it sounds as though Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun is a chip off the old block, if not secretly a direct descendent of Bragg.
It’s clear from the outset that Lockey and band mates are English-centric with a song like “England’s Dead.” It’s not, however, the happiest song about merry old England to come around in a while. The track features some really pretty folk guitar picking, however.
It shouldn’t be surprising that Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun have already toured with Mumford & Sons, Frank Turner and Dry the River. These guys have deep folk roots, which are married to an aggressive punk attitude. That’s a fantastic combination. The Pogues had a similar musical makeup, even though they drew more upon traditional Irish music.
Death is a big theme with this band because “England’s Dead” is followed by “A Song about Death.” So if you’re keeping score, that’s at least two death songs. The latter is a powerful rocker. However, “Warriors,” – you know, those guys that fight to the death – begins with a gentle acoustic guitar strum pattern before going into a double time gallop worthy of the old Alarm.
After a while, listeners may be wishing for a gentle love song. However, gentle love is not what this act is all about. These are guys passionate about the world’s troubles, and they’re not afraid to cuss and rock out about it all. Therefore, there’s a whole lot of death and destruction in them old acoustic guitars.
If you dig Mumford & Sons, but those guys are just a little too easy listening for ya, pick up Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun. This music is so hot, it could melt iron.
It’s clear from the outset that Lockey and band mates are English-centric with a song like “England’s Dead.” It’s not, however, the happiest song about merry old England to come around in a while. The track features some really pretty folk guitar picking, however.
It shouldn’t be surprising that Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun have already toured with Mumford & Sons, Frank Turner and Dry the River. These guys have deep folk roots, which are married to an aggressive punk attitude. That’s a fantastic combination. The Pogues had a similar musical makeup, even though they drew more upon traditional Irish music.
Death is a big theme with this band because “England’s Dead” is followed by “A Song about Death.” So if you’re keeping score, that’s at least two death songs. The latter is a powerful rocker. However, “Warriors,” – you know, those guys that fight to the death – begins with a gentle acoustic guitar strum pattern before going into a double time gallop worthy of the old Alarm.
After a while, listeners may be wishing for a gentle love song. However, gentle love is not what this act is all about. These are guys passionate about the world’s troubles, and they’re not afraid to cuss and rock out about it all. Therefore, there’s a whole lot of death and destruction in them old acoustic guitars.
If you dig Mumford & Sons, but those guys are just a little too easy listening for ya, pick up Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun. This music is so hot, it could melt iron.