Music preview: ISSIMO to launch their debut album

After an international tour ISSIMO are back in Bradford in time to release their long-awaited debut album.
Issimo are due to launch their first album in Bradford.Issimo are due to launch their first album in Bradford.
Issimo are due to launch their first album in Bradford.

The band – led by songwriters Abi Uttley and Marc Otway – will launch the record, The Adventures of ISSIMO, at Bradford’s newest music venue, Trash, on July 27.

After a successful Pledge campaign they left the studio to embark on an epic journey that saw them playing shows on small islands in the Pacific, followed by shows in Las Vegas, North California and San Fransisco.

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“We had an immense adventure and discovered that while listening to our studio mixes, that the album makes the perfect soundtrack to drive through vast deserts to,” says Uttley. The lead track from the album, Shackles, recently featured on Tom Robinson’s BBC Introducing Mixtape and he played it on his show on BBC 6 Music, describing the band as the 21st century mariachi version of The Specials, adding: “And that is no bad thing.”

The duo encountered a bit of trouble while in San Fransisco when they had their guitars, cornet and equipment stolen from the boot of a car. “It was an expensive mistake,” says Uttley. “I know there have been bouts of Bradford musicians having their equipment stolen from gigs, and really we need to be vigilant about this. Our insurance would not cover the full amount so it has been tough getting back on our feet, but luckily we have amazing people around who have been patient and have supported us.”

With their instruments replaced and their debut album raring to go, the duo are looking forwards to kicking off the start of the summer holidays with a lively mix of festival music, ska, reggae, latin and other world elements. They are playing a number of festivals over the summer period and are planning something big for September.

Supporting for the launch gig is to be confirmed. For tickets visit yorkshireticketshop.com or issimomusic.net.

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