SB6: new album news soon..
Posted by jamie on May 10, 2012
Exciting news from the Sonic Boom Six camp. The guys are out and about playing shows in the UK and in France this weekend, and, at the end of thier email, it says this:
p.s. Album news is just around the corner. Maybe even as soon as this weekend. We don’t want to speak too soon… so we won’t. But it’ll be worth the wait!
For the Kids of the Multiculture is on Rock Band 3, and all the dates are posted here.
Dead excited. Please let us find out more soon..
Sonic Boom Six: Monto Water Rats
Posted by jamie on Mar 2, 2012
Sonic Boom Six
Monto Water Rats, Kings’ Cross, London
1st March, 2012
Jamie
A little while back, on our facebook, we shared this sharp little tumblr post, not just because I’m quoted, but primarily because, like everyone else, we’re on tenterhooks to see what Sonic Boom Six do next.
Manchester’s favourite genre terrorists have always been restlessly creative, courageously musically open-minded. It’s often little short of amazing that they come up with some of these ideas, let alone possess the ability and the sheer nerve required to go out and pull these things off.
And yet, time and again over the last ten years, they’ve been there, boldly going where none could have dreamed of going before. That the Ruff Guide, anticipated for so long, didn’t disappoint, was an achievement in itself, but to have raised the bar with every record released since is, quite frankly, ridiculous.
I know it is, because saying so has brought lots of retweets.
To aspire to raise the bar yet again is laudable. To achieve it, and take that in their stride would surely be something else.
Of course, to top 2009’s City of Thieves would take some doing*, and, while we wait with baited breath, that hype just keeps on building.
We’re waiting, in part, because the band are still choosing exactly who will release their next full length. As part of that process, they’ve played a number of showcases, usually in London, in the early part of 2012, to show some of the powers that be that they have the tunes and the support to be a worthwhile investment.
We in London have turned up in numbers time and again, and so, on Tuesday, this arrived on facebook:
Hey guys! Over the past few months we’ve leaned on you guys in London and the surrounding areas a good few times to come and support us while we’ve been working hard to get the new album out. Well, it’s time for us to give back! We’re going to be doing a full headline show at Kings Cross Monto Water Rats this Thursday for absolutely FREE!
The Monto is a brilliant small venue: an old-fashioned theatre tucked away a stone’s throw from King’s Cross. Outside, for central London, in rush hour, it’s peaceful, save the odd motorbike courier. Inside, the old place is already warm when we arrive (it always is, really), and bathed in a dim red light.
Support act Bogdana Chivas is just finishing off (sorry) and excitement is starting to peak.
After a lengthy soundcheck, Sonic Boom Six enter, as usual, one by one, and immediately explode in to life. Opener Virus confused one reviewer on their recent tour in to thinking it was an age-old fan favourite: in fact, it’s just one of many brand new fan favourites, but instantly the party’s started. City of Thieves’ The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Inventions and Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang! (the Midas remix) are out early in a setlist that’s otherwise heavy on the new material we’ve been so eager to see.
For the Kids of the Multiculture is received with a triumphant roar, and Laila when demands that “when this song kicks in, I want to see every motherfucker in here moving”, the response is inevitable: the roof comes off the tiny, sweaty place. At once the whole room leaps, in unison, in to the air: punching the chorus in to the air above us in rhythm. The Boom are Back.
Barney continues where that left off, introducing my favourite new track, The High Cost of Living: “this next song is very simple to dance to. When this beat drops..” the rest was unnecessary. Again. Pushed together like this, you couldn’t resist if you wanted to, but you can’t help yourself: such is the size of the beats and the basslines under the new material, and the quality of the songs and the performance, that it was always going to go off in here, let alone that the anticipation has been building for months, that the atmosphere is incredible.
With that inimitable, impish charm, Barney cheekily reminds us all:
“So, then, London town: thanks for coming out. It’s Thursday, it’s short notice.. but the fact that it’s free more than makes up for it, right..”
Giggles all around. Sonic Boom Six are loved here, and no mistake, but it’s genuinely touching that they’ve done this off their own backs as a thank you to us all.
You Will Survive, on its first ever outing, is excellent. We’ve heard it wasn’t quite there during soundcheck just minutes before doors, but, when it matters, Sonic Boom Six pull it out of the bag. Again.
A little medley of Dangers of Rock n’ roll, Lily Allen’s Friday Night and Wyclef’s It Doesn’t Matter is squeezed in between still more of those new songs: Gary Got a Gun and Keep on Believing are all excellent: Sonic Boom Six at their lyrically incisive, rabble rousing, genre-bending best. It takes me back, briefly, to that tumblr post.
Asher, its author, shared a little anecdote with me about catching up with James T Boom at this show in Milton Keynes.
Asked in April 2010 what he’d bring to the Boom’s sound clash, James used his the tips of the fingers on his right hand, palm down, to prod Asher’s ribs as he emphasised the last three words of his answer:
“I’m all about basslines that go right through you, and dubstep that fucks you up”.
This, of course, is the line-up, the setlist, and the record that will launch the post-Ben Childs era, and, while clearly staying true to the vicious mash punk rock, ska, jungle and hip-hop that’s brought them this far, SB6 have always been about to add those giant, gut shaking wob-wob-wobs.
Now that they’re finally here, they’ve given Sonic Boom Six that extra bit of spice, once again, to keep it all interesting and one step ahead of everything else. They’ve incorporated it in to their sound beautifully: Bang, Bang, Bang, Bang!, and Meanwhile, Back in the Real World sound meatier, more powerful than ever. Nick Horne could have played trombone on Meanwhile, instead that little line of melody is played on guitars and, just for a second, sounds a little bit – gasp! – classic rock. Just for a moment.
Sunny Side of the Street, gloriously, on the first day of Spring, and the first nice day here in ages, Flatline, and finally Piggy in the Middle bring the set to a triumphant climax. The excitement’s still building as the beat drops on that last song.
It’s not the last song: Strange Transformations and, wonderfully, Bigger than Punk Rock, are unleashed for a brief encore. It’s all any of us could have managed, and still, exhausted, we wouldn’t have gone home had we not been forcibly bundled first back in to the main bar and then back in to the road.
It’s been a long time coming, but, Sonic Boom Six are well and truly back, and, again, they’ve raised the bar: the anticipation has been all but unbearable, but, impossibly, it looks like they’re not just going to justify all of that, but that they’ve come back with something that surpasses all those expectations. Scarily, it feels like we’ll look back on nights like this, and, disbelievingly think of that new record: I didn’t think it’d be this good.
Happy Birthday, Neil. x
*Understatement. Not to combat any hyperbole, because I honestly believe SB6 are that good, that brave and that important. But reiterating it time and time again was getting a bit much for my poor mind.
SB6: free Manchester show?
Posted by jamie on Feb 29, 2012
Rumour alert: this thread came fro the wall for Sonic Boom Six’s free show in London tomorrow. Manchester, be ready.
Sonic Boom Six: the Cluny, Newcastle
Posted by jamie on Feb 22, 2012
Sonic Boom Six, Hildamay, Rossi Noise
The Cluny, Newcastle
6th February 2012
Dave
This is my first review ever (but not the first gig I have been to) so be gentle with me as I try and guide you through my night with three cool bands.
On arrival at The Cluny Laila K (yes, THE Laila from Sonic Boom Six) met us in the car park and took us into the building as we were a bit early.
When I got into the room that housed a stage, bands equipment and the bar I was somewhat surprised at just how small it is. The place is tiny but still managed to pack in everything needed for the night. Anyone going there will be pleased to know Cider is about £2.80 a pint 
The first band, Rossi Noise, came on at about 8.30 and at first I was unsure if I liked them but somehow they just grew on me. I’d never heard them before and found the mix of electronic trickery coupled with the heavy beats and hip hop odd but enjoyable. Since seeing them I have listened to their stuff a bit more so they must have left a lasting impression. Only comment I feel I have to make is that the lead singer had an expression on his face that scared the crap outta me!
After a great show from Rossi Noise came Hildamay. I got the impression that they were the wrong band in the wrong venue. The place was too small for their big noise, not enough of an audience to give enough energy and it appeared that the band were near to tripping over each other through lack of space on the stage. Hildamay, whilst appearing very professional at what they do, just didn’t hit the spot for me. It didn’t help that they were sandwiched between Rossi Noise and Sonic Boom Six – two entirely different genres of music.
As anticipated, SB6 came on stage and blew the place away! As soon as they started playing the place came alive, they played favourites like ‘Kids of the Multi Culture’ and ‘Sunny Side of the Street’ with a cover of a Lilly Allen track, finally finishing off with ‘Piggy in the Middle’. The energy from the group as a whole was pretty amazing to watch. The last SB6 gig I had tickets for was cancelled amid much confusion and disappointment so for me, hearing Laila K telling us the band are actively trying to get more gigs in the North East was even more music to my ears – we don’t see them up this neck of the woods often enough!
One observation I feel is worth making is that it must be quite disappointing for the bands playing The Cluny as the place is so small it’s not possible to get a big audience, making it harder for the bands to get the ‘crowd’ involved - I would have liked to put that question to the bands but they probably wouldn’t want to pull the rug from under their feet.
SB6: 2012 UK dates
Posted by jamie on Dec 14, 2011
Indestructible Manchester genre terrorists Sonic Boom Six have added extra dates in support of their stint on HMV’s “Next Big Thing” festival.
Support on all dates comes from Hildamay.
Feb 6, 2012 - Newcastle, (UK) @ the Cluny
Feb 7, 2012 - Leeds, (UK) @ The Cockpit
Feb 8, 2012 - Birmingham, (UK) @ The End @ The Ballroom
Feb 9, 2012 - London, (UK) @ The Barfly
Feb 10, 2012 - Southampton, (UK) @ The Joiners
Feb 11, 2012 - Nottingham, (UK) @ Rock City
Barney says:
Expect some NEW new tunes from the forthcoming album and all the fun of the fair that the Boom are known for.
Get tickets here.
See it on facebook here.
SB6: last UK dates for 2011
Posted by jamie on Nov 29, 2011
Right after beng chosen as Kerrang Radio’s Single of the Week, Sonic Boom Six play their last UK shows of the year in London (2nd December) and Tunbridge Wells (8th December).
You can get tickets here.
Sonic Boom Six: Camden Underworld
Posted by jamie on Nov 5, 2011
Sonic Boom Six, Crazy Arm, Never Means Maybe, Electric River
Camden Underworld, London
30th October, 2011
Jamie
There’ll surely be a few frogs in throats after this one. Our posse had come out in force to experience Sonic Boom Six’s triumphant return to the Camden Underworld, and they didn’t disappoint. As the lights came on, we were scattered across the dancefloor, blinking, and carefully scanning the sweaty boards and shattered plastic cups for Sarah’s missing earring.
It turned up, eventually, mangled almost beyond recognition, just before Barney Boom did his best to hurry past towards the merch stand, and in the process gathering an Obama/Mariah Carey-sized entourage of delighted, exhausted punters all clamouring to swap pleasantries and sweat with him as he tried to soften the ratio of redbull to vodka in his little plastic cup. I got a few words: “the new line-up’s really starting to come together”, he said. He was right: it really, really is. Two years since the last tour with Ben Childs, there’s no longer that feeling that they’re finding their feet*: this is an utterly dominant, confident performance.
Electric River opened well. Their Halloween masks and cover of Thriller were enjoyable, their songs were all decent, and they’d brought their own gang with them from Kent. They seem genuinely pleased to be here, and effusively grateful to Big Cheese Magazine, whose birthday we’re celebrating, for inviting them to play.
Never Means Maybe, main support for the rest of SB6’s UK tour, are excellent: their epic, emotional take on melodic post-hardcore performed at speed. Doors were a little bit late, so there’s scarcely time to chat, but the rooms filling up and the crowd are starting to move. One chap needs a special mention for running half the width of the room to push me sideways in an attempt to start a pit. I don’t mosh, and there was no one else down there. We knocked over three people, but he did say sorry afterwards, and, in hindsight, that was pretty hilarious. Crazy Arm, afterwards, are excellent, as well: by now the room is packed fairly solidly, and the atmosphere’s really building up. There’s no room for another running shove, and scarce little need either, as we’re all moving nicely already.
At last, it’s time for Sonic Boom Six: it’s been much too long. The lights dim, and, for the first time tonight, the Underworld’s PA plays something that isn’t mainstream rock: initially, it’s any piece of drum and bass, but before long it becomes clear it’s actually a remix of New Style Rocka. Sexy Neil’s behind his kit, all of a sudden, and the band take the stage, opening with New Style Rocka obviously), and then racing through the Road to Hell and new single For the Kids of the Multiculture. I didn’t think it was possible, but it seems like everyone in here has been as giddy for this moment as I was: instantly, we’re pogoing in unison, wedged against each other, the air a sea of fists punching out the rhythms. For the Kids of the Multiculture, in particular, is enormous, anthemic and roared back at the band by everybody down here. It’s not the only new tune in the set, either: Virus and Karma are in there as well: both tunes are excellent, and perfect for shows like this where we’re all pushed right against each other and moving so frantically in the sticky heat. The fan-favourites, Piggy in the Middle, Bang Bang and Meanwhile, Back in the Real World are in there, before, a special treat, “the most requested b-side we’ve ever had”, The Dangers of Rock n’ Roll. I’d seen they were playing this from twitter, and, like everyone down here, was giddy with excitement to see it performed in concert for the first time. Of course, Barney doubled up to cover Ben’s verses – he also acted in for Tonn Piper on New Style Rocka – but it’s just as party-friendly on record, if a little punkier, heavier on the guitars and with the samples less prominent.
The party’s in full swing: the new Sonic Boom Six look settled and totally confident, and it shows through the improvement in their performance and the size of their collective swagger. Nick Horne’s guitar solo is absolutely enormous. Barney briefly discusses the fact that they have moved away from ska and from hip-hop music on their albums, but promises that they’ll still drop those songs in their live shows. Lily Allen’s Friday Night is a surprise cover, becoming Wyclef’s It Doesn’t Matter partway through. Laila makes a cheeky crack about Barney forgetting his melodica – yes, he plays a melodica – and we’re almost out. From a choice of three, we as a crowd choose Back 2 Skool, and then, after Strange Transformations and Sunny Side of the Street, we’re all but done.
It’s fantastic to see Sunny Side get such a rapturous response: while we’ve been waiting for the new album, apparently planned for April 2012, it looks like everyone has really taken these few singles to their hearts. Aside form Dangers of Rock n’ Roll, it’s New Style Rocka, and For the Kids of the Multiculture and Sunny Side of the Street that get the best response. It looks like we’re going to get yet another phenomenal record next year. Shattered, and with the venue’s curfew set for 22:30, we get a quick encore: just about everybody seems to be word-perfect on Sound of a Revolution. Exhausted, it’s time to hunt for Sarah’s earring. It’s mashed. Ah well.
*Grammar nerds: if you’ve ever wanted an example of how to use “there” “they’re” and “their” in a sentence, feel free to link to this post.
Sonic Boom Six: win London tickets!
Posted by jamie on Oct 25, 2011
THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED.
Thank you for your interest. Winners will be contacted shortly.
Manchester five-piece Sonic Boom Six play Camden Underworld at the end of October as part of Big Cheese’s birthday celebrations.
To celebrate, we’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away. To be in with a chance, post your answer to our little teaser as a comment on this post.
We’ll need your full name for the venue and an email address to contact you, so check your details twice.
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Competition closes at 12:00 tomorrow (Thursday 27th October)
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Winners will be drawn at random from correct answers submitted
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Winners will be contacted by email. We regret we cannot respond to unsuccessful entries
Question:
Sonic Boom Six’s UK tour is named after their current single. But what’s it called?
A. For the Kids of the Multiculture
B. For the Kids of the Multiplex
C. How You Remind Me
View the video here.
Thank you to Kililive for providing these tickets.
SB6: For the Kids of the Multiculture
Posted by jamie on Oct 5, 2011
As promised:
Sonic Boom Six have announced details of their new single For the Kids of the Multiculture on their own Rebel Alliance Recordings imprint .
For The Kids Of The Multiculture will be available from Monday 10th October 2011 as a digital download and exclusive CD bundle from the band’s website. It’s a characteristically upbeat take on contemporary cultural issues in the UK and is the first single to be taken from the long-awaited fourth SB6 album.
The CD single comes complete with brand new track ‘Five Minutes With You’ as the B-Side as well as tracks culled from The Boom’s triumphant headline set on the Rock Sound / Macbeth stage at Hevy Festival across the formats.
1) For The Kids Of The Multiculture
2) Five Minutes With You
3) Sunny Side of the Street (Live at Hevy Fest)
‘For The Kids Of The Multiculture’ is available on Digital Download format from all the usual digital vendors on October 10th 2011 and alternately features ‘New Style Rocka’ (Live at Hevy Fest) as track 3.
GET IT HERE.
Sonic Boom Six: October UK tour
Posted by jamie on Sep 30, 2011
It’s now just a few short days until Manchester’s Sonic Boom Six hit the road for the first time in much too long. To celebrate they’ll be giving away 100 special edition CDs to the first people in the doors at every show.
Get tickets here.
Find all the details on that CD here.
See it on facebook here.
