Reviewed on Sep 14, 2006 by Tom

After a well-received EP back in 2004, Manchester-based Sonic Boom Six are back with their debut full-length “The Ruff Guide To Genre Terrorism”, and you really have to wonder: What’s in a name eh?

As if the name and album title didn’t give it away already: Sonic Boom Six are not your typical, average or mundane outfit, but one of those few bands that, in contrast to most of their peers, still succeed in bringing something genuinely exciting and fresh to the table with their potent mix of about every underground (sub)genre conceivable. Whether you’re into ragga, hip-hop, bhangra, jungle, dub, reggae, ska or straight up, in your face melodic hardcore punk, SB6 are sure to bring your fix.

Opener “Do It Today” starts things off with a sample stating how punk rock is the best tool in the fight against complacency, pretty much capturing everything the band stands for in one sentence. Because despite bringing a groovy sound, Sonic Boom Six are also relentless in their social engagement, but with a good balance between what’s serious and what’s fun. It’s a point in the bands favor that they don’t turn Layla’s rapping stylings into a gimmick, as the frontwoman shows that she can actually sing on more than one song. Those who accused the band from being a one-trick pony don’t have any leg to stand on with an album that delightfully meanders through a diverse batch of different stylistic approaches. “Sounds To Consume” was good, but there are a lot of GRAND moments on this disc, that make it utterly worth everyone’s while. Take ”All In” for one, featuring guest vocals by Coolie Ranx, ex frontman of the Pilfers (R.I.P.) , which is nothing short of an absolute corker with it’s dominant feel-good brass and sweet dub beats, that can/could easily be sold to and digested by an international crowd. It has the same summer hit-single potential as Sugar Ray’s “Fly”. Not immediately a reference for the band, but I hope you get the picture at just how addictive the song is. ”Piggy In The Middle” is another highlight with its frenzied, all-out attack on the senses, thriving on the bands frustration with some aspects of our modern days society as they zig-zag their way through another fantastic blends of genres. “Northern Skies” shows the band’s love of laid-back reggae, and builds on the heritage left by King Prawn with the oriental feel to the track. The whole feel of the tune just gives me chicken bumps every time I hear it. Talk about the students becoming the master …

On many of their songs, Sonic Boom Six go in so many directions that are melodically and rhythmically so different than most rock bands bring today that it’s almost impossible to try and convince you by describing the many things that work for the album. Just know that whether it’s light, heavy, fast, slow, or all the previous all at the same time (just listen to “Shareena” for the perfect example), Sonic Boom Six deliver it with fat, chunky chorus and killer instruments. “The Ruff Guide…” further cements Sonic Boom Six as one of those oddball UK outfits that deliver a particular sort of music that is extremely rewarding to listen to, with an urban sound and lyrical approach that, at a very basic level, is suren to speak to each and every one who listens to it. But at the same time the realization dawns that SBS created such a unique niche for themselves that they are bound to be pretty hit or miss. One thing is sure though, whatever background you’re from, whatever your convictions or demographic positioning, Sonic Boom Six just might make your ticker beat that little bit faster! Fans of King Prawn, 3-11 and the likes should have no problem falling in love with the bands sound instantly. It’s great to see that bands that are as psychedelically refreshing as Sonic Boom Six, but undeniably belong to the underground, got the chance to open the Love Music Hate Racism event on the Leftfield stage at the legendary Glastonbury festival. Some things are just bigger then Punk Rock.

Related Links:

• www.sonicboomsix.co.uk
• www.deckcheese.com

1. Do It Today
2. Apathy Begins At Home
3. All-In
4. Piggy In The Middle
5. For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge
6. Northern Skies
7. Bigger Than Punk Rock
8. Danger! Danger!
9. Don't Say I Never Warned Ya
10. Shareena
11. A People's History Of The Future
12. Until The Sunlight Comes

Album Reviews

	The Ruff Guide To Genre Terrorism Jul 10, 2006
	Sounds To Consume Oct 31, 2004

Interviews

Jan 1, 2005