BRADFORD band Issimo are set to launch their long-awaited debut album this month.

The Adventures of Issimo, showcased at new Bradford music venue Trash on Friday, July 27, follows an international tour that saw the band gigging on small islands in the Pacific as well as in Las Vegas, North California and San Francisco.

"We had an immense adventure and, while listening to our studio mixes, we discovered that the album makes the perfect soundtrack to drive through vast desserts to!" says Abi Uttley, one half of the songwriting duo, who blend ska, reggae, Latin and other world music elements.

Lead album track Shackles was recently featured on Tom Robinson's BBC Introducing Mix Tape and played on his show on BBC Radio 6. Tom described the band as "the 21st Century Mariachi version of The Specials", adding: ‘And that is no bad thing!’

There was trouble for the band in San Francisco, when they had their guitars, cornet and equipment stolen from the boot of a car. "It was an expensive mistake," says Abi. "There have been bouts of Bradford musicians having equipment stolen from gigs, we really need need to be vigilant about this.

"Our insurance wouldn't cover the full amount so it has been tough getting back on our feet, but luckily we have amazing people around who have supported us."

With their instruments replaced and and their debut album raring to go, the duo are looking forward to a summer of festival appearances.

If you've yet to see Issimo, you're in for a treat. Their feelgood live shows offer uplifting, exotic beats and catchy pop choruses. The band wowed the crowds recently at Saltaire's Dragonboat Festival in Robert's Park.

Support acts for this month's album launch are yet to be announced.

* Tickets are available from yorkshireticketshop.com or from Issimo at issimomusic.net. Tickets are also on sale at Al’s Dime Bar on North Parade.

* Anyone who bought tickets for the band's Down's Syndrome Support charity concert - which has had to be cancelled and will be re-arranged for later this year - is asked to email Marc Otway at info@issimomusic.net