 Sonic Boom Six bring together an inspiring mix of styles that simply wouldn’t work on paper. "City of Thieves" contains elements of Grime, Ska, Punk, Metal, Dub and Reggae with perfect balance - and to top it off the lyrics are a damning commentary on British culture. Sonic Boom Six have created an intelligent and truly alternative take on the much raped and popularised Punk/Ska genre.
Not relying on the old blueprint for political Punk of three chords, fast drums and shouted lyrics; Sonic Boom Six bring something unique and passionate to every song meaning so there is not a weak track on the entire album.
Album opener “(Welcome to the…) …City of Thieves” has the spooky vibe of a city when the sun is setting and danger is imminent. The voice-over offers the listener an opportunity to either hide their children or breathe deeply and face the fantastically daunting non-stop beats.
“…City of Thieves” is a brilliant album opener with an edgy build up while showcasing Sonic Boom Six’s distinct sound - with vocal heroine Laila K sounds like an angry chipmunk, backed up by Paul ‘Barney Boom’ Barnes’s rude boy mc-ing.
My personal favourite was the incredible “Strange Transformations”. I can picture Sonic Boom Six swaggering down the streets in Manchester looking for werewolves with a cross bow in hand. Barney Boom delivers the lyrics at a brilliant pace with a funny but sadly accurate description of the Jekyll and Hyde horror movie characters that Britain’s booze culture creates. "Strange Transformations” will have you howling along while you dance like a disjointed zombie.
Another personal favourite was “The Road to Hell is Paved with Good Intentions” which has the perfect blend of Punk and Ska topped off with heavy guitar riffs. The sway from Laila K sounding like Barbie on a revenge mission tanked up on pills, to Barney Boom’s intricate rhymes will have your head bouncing like a nodding dog.
“City of Thieves” finishes with “Floating Away”; complete with a beautiful intro riff and softer vocals, Sonic Boom Six have created a heartbreaking song of regret and wistfulness. Poignant as it is pretty, it stuck in my head for hours - the perfect finale track to a raucous album.
Sonic Boom Six have broken the mould but remain true to their genre, creating an authentic sound of modern Punk which is completely their own. The last band to make me this excited were the now defunct Dead Pets and I’ve no doubt Sonic Boom Six will go even further.
The only bad thing about “City of Thieves” is that it doesn’t come with a free gig ticket.
Sonic Boom Six are currently touring:
31.05.2009 - The Underworld with Random Hand - London
04.06.2009 - The Crown - Middleborough
10.06.2009 - McHugh’s - Belfast
12.06.2009 - The Academy - Dublin
11.07.2009 - Festival Chauffer Dans La Noirceur - Monmartin
17.07.2009 - Bug Jam VW Rally - Podlington
23.07.2009 - Mars Attacks - Angouleme
24.07.2009 - Le Live - Soustons
25.07.2009 - Open Air Festival - Jurancon
01.08.2009 - Heavy Music Festival - Folkestone
07.08.2009 - Rebellion Festival - Winter Gardens - Blackpool
21.08.2009 - Beautiful Days Festival - Escot Park - Devon
Last edited by altsounds : May 31, 2009 at 02:50 PM.
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| | | | Overall Rating | | 10 | | Vocals / Lyrics | | 9 | | Musicianship | | 9 | | Production | | 9 | | Creativity | | 10 | | Lastability | | 9 | | Reviewers Tilt | | 10 |
94% | |
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SONIC BOOM SIX - New album 'City of Thieves' & Tour Dates