SONIC BOOM SIX
with Imperial Leisure and Shabby Tinkerz.

Bedford Esquires Lev 2 Friday 9th November 2012.

After a long gap of over five years, SONIC BOOM SIX returned to the main stage here at Bedford Esquires. They first appeared here on 21st April 2007 (along with Pickled Dick, New Groove Formation, Club Sex + 2 Planets, Weightloss) and returned later in September to lend their support to Cravenfest 2007. Back then they were showcasing material from their debut album "The Ruff Guide To Genre Terrorism", which had just been released. At that stage they were a quartet, but they arrive tonight as a five piece.
Presented by promoters Juicebox Indie, SB6 are at the start of a nationwide tour which coincides with their brand new album (confusingly titled "Sonic Boom Six), which is their fourth one to date. Although the venue is by no means full, there is a terrific atmosphere as SB6 arrive on stage at the rather advanced time of 10.40. A mosh pit has naturally gathered and evolved which always makes for a colourful sight. SB6 are a predominantly underground band who are trying, quite successfully, to force themselves into the main stream with Radio 1 now picking up on their efforts. Very mixed reviews encompass their new album (I read the Artrocker one - not good), but live they cannot be faulted. Fronted by the impish urban demeanour of Laila Khan and the strutting Mancunian force of Paul 'Barney' Barnes, they are backed to the hilt by the guitar section of Nick Horne and James Routh and drummer Nick McMinn.
SB6 are ideal for the people, a true twenty first century band who report and document lyrically everything that affects anybody living in a major city or town right now. They cover the touchy subjects of race, religion and politics. For such a diverse society that we now live in, the music also covers that spectrum. It's an urban mash up covering hip hop beats, jungle, ska, grime and dubstep. Thankfully they have a heart that is deep rooted in seventies punk culture. As someone brought up in their formative years by Strummer, Jones et al, this Manchester band continue everything that The Clash fought and championed for, a mix of styles and a cross section of genres. Their plus song is "Virus". It is their current single and the room erupts. It has such a catchy feel to it. Nobody escapes the clutch as a mass dancing epidemic takes over. Barney Barnes cites that "The High Cost Of Living" is "my absolute favourite song on the album". "Keep On Believing" could be the next single. It does involve audience participation. This has everyone squatting down and ready to jump up wildy on cue. A friend remembers doing this at Sonisphere for Slipknot. Needless to say, she declines the invitation this evening. Remember, Slipknot are legends, SB6 are relative leg-ends in comparison and perhaps should try and think of something a little more original. New song "Flatline" encourages the audience to sing back the chorus. The band eulogise Mike Skinner by covering "Lets Push Things Forward". They also reappear for an encore which this appreciative crowd thoroughly deserve.

Supporting Sonic Boom Six throughout their tour are IMPERIAL LEISURE. They are an eight piece ska band which contains brass and plenty of electronic gadgetry. Although their opening song was played as an instrumental (it's the only one I liked), the vocalist soon arrives on stage and tells us "We're going to activate you". Sadly they don't. Some of the band wear their own T-shirts proclaiming 'Imperial Leisure are average'. I feel that boring would have been much more truthful. "Bring Out The Beast" is a limp singalong, while "I'm In Love With The Landlord's Daughter" is just plain annoying.

Beginning the show are Luton's SHABBY TINKERZ, who irritate immensely from start to finish. Their stage banter, which is mostly sarcastic comments, falls totally flat. Mixing ska and hip hop, this lot are less Eminem and more M & S. They sing a song called "We Don't Want No Beef On The Streets". Certainly not. What next, pork on the pathway? They also overrun their set which sadly deprives us of ten minutes of Karl Philips and the Midnight Ramblers. Mr P is, as always, quiet and shy (not!). "Radio"? They can't get enough of him. Three Counties, Northampton, that's "Okey dokey" bruv. "Pink champage" is dedicated to everyone here. Thanks boys, we're honoured.