We’re pleased to be able to share with you some news from our friends at istartedthefire records. Hotly tipped Cheltenham folk-punk outfit release their debut album, an angsty, forlorn reaction to Britain’s current political climate and the trials and tribulations of love and loss.

Jim Lockey & the Solemn Sun release their debut album ‘Atlases’ on 14th June 2010 through istartedthefire records, a full band follow up to Lockey’s solo debut “I’ll Be Neon”. Recorded at Steve Winwood’s Wincraft Studios by ‘MPG Engineer of the Year’ and double Grammy nominated producer James Towler, the album sets the world to rights through screaming lungs and alt. country rhythms that stands as a testament to the toils of a young British generation in face of political indifference and an unstable future. The release will take the form of a 10-track CD and digital download and will be preceded by two free download singles ‘Atlases’ and ‘Waitress’ on 10th and 24th May respectively. (Downloads available from istartedthefire.co.uk)

Named “one of the best singer-songwriters in the UK” by upcoming folkpunk associate Frank Turner, Lockey and his band continue to thrill audiences nationwide with their poetic political punk lyric laid over a bed of stomping country rock and melancholic folk. The last twelve months have seen the band taking in the finest of independent festivals (Wychwood, Two Thousand Trees, Y-Not) whilst being personally invited to share stages with core members of the new folk movement including Frank Turner, Johnny Flynn, Mumford & Sons, and Peter Doherty. These gigs were part of the last years two main tours, one of which saw Lockey touring with Oxygen Thief and Ben Marwood in support of their split CD ‘Exclamation at Asterisk Hash’ (released on Broken Tail Records) with the band’s song “Waitress” chosen by Steve Lamacq to be played on his Radio 2 show.

The band will be supporting the release with a UK/European tour.