Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun

On a slightly chilly spring evening I made what has become a regular pilgrimage to The Waterfront venue in Norwich. I've frequented this establishment for a number of years, but this time felt different. That's because this was my first visit to the recently opened Waterfront Studio, a smaller venue located in a room above the main venue.

Playing downstairs in the main room were American pop-punkers The Ataris and I was interested to know whether or not this would cause any noise pollution up in the studio, and thankfully it didn't. As far as the new room is concerned, it’s well laid out with decent facilities and provided a good atmosphere in which to enjoy the nights headliner Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun.

This show was originally scheduled to take place back in February, but was rescheduled along with half of their tour dates due to the band eloping to America to support Dropkick Murphys. It's perhaps this rescheduling that leads to a mix-up meaning that there are no support acts in attendance. Background music, a man with a guitar and a well stocked bar kept the crowd happy prior to Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun taking the stage.



Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun first came to my (and as evidenced by a show of hands mid-set, most of the crowds) attention when they opened for Frank Turner at Norwich’s UEA LCR back in November. The band were suitably impressive on that night and were even more so on this.

The opening combination of 'A Song About Death' and 'New Natives' made an instant impact. They brought the chilled out room forward to the stage for the first time and were a statement of intent from the band; the intent being to come together and have a good time.

The band released their second album, entitled 'Death', around a year ago and it's that album that dominated the set list. On 'Death' the band have demonstrated an ability to write songs layered with both gentle folk melodies and hard rocking passion. Songs such as 'Wishing Well', which comes next, also go to demonstrate the powerful lyrics presented by the band and delivered by Lockey himself.

People only now discovering the group could be forgiven for assuming that 'Death' is the group's debut album given its dominance of the bands sets, but there is another! 'Atlases' was released prior to guitarist Chris Capewell joining the band and has been largely passed over since the writing of 'Death'. The title track did receive an airing next however.

It's said that time flies when you're enjoying yourself and with that being said I must have had a whale of a time. The band's set shot by with the songs 'Home/Hospitals', 'Warriors' and 'Wolves' all serenading the appreciative audience. The band are clearly by the people, for the people and demonstrate this next by joining the crowd for an unplugged rendition of 'The Boat Song' which sees the audience form a circle around the band.



It's clear that the band have a hard work ethic and their constant touring has paid dividends in the tightness of the band and of their performance. Another 'Atlases' track 'Waitress' and the fantastic 'England's Dead' sent the crowd home happy and performances like this can only further the band's reputation as one of the brightest prospects Britain has to offer.

In closing I'd like to reference a quote placed on their website from Frank Turner. It reads "...One of, if not the best, singer-songwriters I've met... Deserves to be massive", and I can't argue with that.

FUTURE GIGS

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