Jack Cooper is best known as one half of Ultimate Painting alongside James Hoare, and he also fronts Mazes, a project that predates Ultimate Painting. Now, as Ultimate Painting prep their fourth LP, Cooper is launching his first solo album. It’s called Sandgrown, and it consists of nine songs inspired by Cooper’s native Blackpool. The first one we get to hear is “North Of Anywhere,” a lovely, low-key lope that reminds me of both Lou Reed and Jimi Hendrix. “This isn’t a protest song,” Cooper begins, continuing, “I need a sign/ Too scared to say the wrong thing/ I need a sign.” Listen below.

Sandgrown is out 8/25 on Trouble In Mind. Pre-order it here.