Debut album from Loic J Tuckey

Loic J Tuckey is a name that carries weight in the Sheffield music scene – and for good reason. With roots in punk and hardcore and a career as the driving force behind Sheffield’s DIY label and venue, the Audacious Art Experiment, Loic has spent the better part of two decades crafting a unique musical voice.

His early influences from the punk and hardcore bands of the 80s and 90s are echoed in his work, but it’s his journey across North and South America that truly shaped the artist we see today. The raw energy of his past now blends with the melodic and experimental edge that defines his current sound, a fusion of Americana, blues and folk, all wrapped up in an alternative rock package.

Loic’s debut solo album, Beyond The Sun Road, is a result of his diverse experiences and musical adventure. The album is a sonic road trip through the American West, distilling the experience of long drives down dusty highways, late-night diner stops and the vast open landscapes that stretch out for miles. Each of the 12 tracks on the album is a snapshot of a moment in time, filled with the spirit of adventure and the weight of reflection.

From the delicate twangs of guitars on opening track “Now Then, Texas Red,” a smokey, country sound takes hold on the instrumental piece before flowing into the bouncy groove of “A Dog Knows.” With shuffling drums and rich vocal leads, Loic showcases his timeless sound and catchy songwriting on a superb Americana jam.

Lead single and title-track, “Beyond The Sun Road,” delivers more gritty guitar rhythms, punchy drums and compelling vocal leads. The influence of mid-20th century rock and R&B shines throughout the album, invoking the sound of the American South, while the bluesy undertones give the album a soulful quality.

Recording the album was an immersive experience for Tuckey. Much of it was written on the road, with melodies recorded on his phone in various locations across the USA. The final product, at once expansive and cohesive, was brought to life with the help of local musicians like Jim Ghedi and Zebedee Budworth at Sheffield’s Hatch studio and was mastered at Candyland Studios in Kentucky by Mike Montgomery. The result is a spectacular debut album that’s brimming with slick songwriting and exquisite musicianship to firmly place Loic J Tuckey on the map of must watch artists in the UK and beyond.

Listen to Beyond The Sun Road below