Sonic Boom Six

Sonic Boom Six (often shortened to SB6) are an English five-piece band from Manchester, United Kingdom. Their eclectic sound combines different elements of several genres and has been described by Kerrang! as "taking ska, pop, grime, dubstep, punk and metal apart, then rebuilding them as a hyperactive hybrid".[1] Their lyrics tend to focus on social commentary with a live show known for "clashing activism and good times".[2] The band's influences include Bad Brains, Public Enemy, The Fugees, The Specials, The Streets, and The Clash.[3]

"SB6" redirects here. For the legislation, see Bathroom bill § Texas. For the disability swimming classification, see S7 (classification).

Sonic Boom Six
Background information
OriginManchester, England
GenresPunk rock, ska, ragga, hip hop, electronic
Years active2002–present
LabelsXtra Mile (UK)
Rebel Alliance Recordings (UK)
Deck Cheese (UK)
Pyropit (Japan)
Asbestos (USA)
Associated actsBabyboom
Suicide Bid
The King Blues
WebsiteSonic Boom Six
MembersPaul "Barney" Barnes
Nick Horne
Laila Khan
James Routh
Luke Hesketh
Past membersBen Childs
Dave Kelly
Neil "Macca" McMinn
Matthew Reynolds (temporary member)

Career

Early years (2002–2004)

Sonic Boom Six first appeared on the Manchester punk scene in April 2002. Some of their members were previously in the band Grimace. Their self-titled demo, recorded with Jerry Melchers, was self-released in October 2002. To promote the CD, they toured the UK with second wave ska veterans The Toasters and London ska punk/hip hop band King Prawn. They also toured with Coolie Ranx and performed as his backing band. In September 2003, they released The Turbo EP, their first release for Moon Ska Europe. This was produced by Ace (of Skunk Anansie) and Christophe. After a series of good reviews, Sonic Boom Six were invited to perform a session on BBC Radio One's The Lock Up.

After further touring with Catch 22, as well as on the Moon Ska Launchpad Tour 2004 (alongside Zen Baseballbat, Graveltrap, Babar Luck and Dumpster Pop), the band re-united with Ace and Christophe to record their second EP. Sounds to Consume was released on Moon Ska Europe in August 2004, and include the Turbo EP as bonus tracks. After tour dates with Leftöver Crack and The Suicide Machines, the band appeared on BBC2's Asian arts programme Desi DNA performing in a scrapyard, as well as being interviewed by Adil Ray for his show on the BBC Asian Network.

Deck Cheese to Rebel Alliance (2005–2009)
Sonic Boom Six performing "All In" with Itch of The King Blues. Leeds Festival, Bramham Park, 27 August 2006

In early February 2005, Sonic Boom Six replaced guitarist Dave "Hellfire" Kelly with guitarist Ben Childs, who used to play sax, thus making SB6 a four-piece. Ben's old saxophone parts were played through a sampler when performing live, or by musicians from other bands, such as Grown at Home and The Flaming Tsunamis. In 2005, the band opened the Love Music Hate Racism event on the Leftfield Stage at the Glastonbury Festival, played Belgium's Sortie 23 festival and performed at the premier of the Rock Against Racism film Who Shot the Sheriff? with HARD-Fi and Roll Deep. 2005 also saw the release of the Champion Edition of Sounds to Consume, which featured four of their original demo tracks (remixed by Tim G), three remixes, an acoustic track and a video. They also embarked on several dates on the inaugural Good To Go Tour alongside The Aquabats and Never Heard of It.

In 2006, the band recorded their second session for BBC Radio 1's The Lock Up, which was broadcast on 27 June. They were joined by Pete and Tucker from Jesse James and Itch from The King Blues. Their debut full-length album, The Ruff Guide to Genre-Terrorism, was released on 10 July 2006 on London label Deck Cheese Records, also home at the time to Phinius Gage, Sick On The Bus and Jesse James.[4] In August 2006 the band played the Reading and Leeds Festivals as a last minute replacement for Paramore. They were joined again by Itch of The King Blues for a performance of "All In" (singing the parts of the song written by Coolie Ranx) and Nick 'The Blade' Horne of Howards Alias, partner of vocalist Laila, who played trombone on the songs "Bigger Than Punk Rock" and "Until the Sunlight Comes".

In February 2007 the band embarked on the inaugural Ruff and Ready Tour, a multi-band package tour put together by Sonic Boom Six. This initial tour featured the band with support from The King Blues, Failsafe and Mouthwash.

In May 2007 they played at the Slam Dunk Festival at Leeds University Union with Paramore and Reel Big Fish. During Reel Big Fish's set, Laila joined the band on stage to sing parts of "She Has a Girlfriend Now" alongside Aaron Barrett. She joined them again during Reel Big Fish's Monkeys for Nothin' winter tour in 2008. They played the Reading and Leeds Festivals again in 2007, on the Lock Up stage, playing not only their own material but covering the song "Sound System" by Operation Ivy. During this song, Itch from the King Blues once again joined them on stage to sing it. November 2007 saw the release of the band's second full-length CD, Arcade Perfect, on their own Rebel Alliance Recordings.[5]

In May 2008 the band embarked on the Rude Awakening 2008 tour, alongside Big D and the Kids Table and Random Hand. 2008 also saw a second Ruff and Ready tour. This was followed by the release of a remixes, b-sides and rarities album entitled Play On: Rare, Rejected and Arcade Perfected, which the band toured in support of in late 2008. Nick Horne also joined the band as a full-time member, now playing guitar and bass live as well as trombone. They played at the Hevy Music Festival on 1 August 2009.[6]

The second tour Ruff and Ready Tour began in October 2008, again with SB6 headlining, and this time with support from Chris Murray, The JB Conspiracy and Chief.

In May 2009 Sonic Boom Six released their third album City of Thieves, once again on Rebel Alliance Recordings.[7] August 2009 saw Sonic Boom Six open the Main Stage at the Reading and Leeds Festival.[8]

Child's departure and Sonic Boom Six (2009–2015)
The band performing in Birmingham in February 2014

On 8 October 2009, it was announced on the band's official website that Ben Childs would be leaving the band after the forthcoming "Boom or Bust" tour and that he would be temporarily replaced by Matthew Reynolds – current vocalist and guitarist with rock band Drawings and also formerly of Howards Alias. In February 2010 new permanent member James "Jimmy T Boom" Routh, formerly of Myth of Unity, joined the band on guitar. Lee Hartney from The Smith Street Band joined the band on two tours in 2011, playing guitar & keytar.

On 4 February 2012, in a radio interview with Matt Stocks on Kerrang Radio, Paul Barnes and Laila Khan announced that their new album would be eponymous.

During a free gig sponsored by HP Live and Last FM at The Roadhouse in Manchester on 19 April 2012 Barney Boom/Paul Barnes announced that the band were due to sign a deal the following Saturday and that the new album would be released in September 2012.

Sonic Boom Six played the main stage at 2000 Trees Festival in Gloucestershire on 13 July 2012.

McMinn's departure and The F-Bomb (2015 to present)

It was announced on 14 May 2015 via their Facebook page that founding member Neil "Macca" McMinn had decided to leave the band as he wanted a new challenge after 12 years with the band. The release of Sonic Boom Six's album Operation Boom Box was delayed to allow the band time to recruit a replacement drummer.[9]

It was confirmed on 22 May 2015 that Luke Hesketh would be taking over drumming duties from Neil McMinn. Luke, along with bandmate James Routh, would be splitting his time between Sonic Boom Six and The Karma Party.

After receiving funding via the PledgeMusic crowdfunding website the release date of the fifth album The F-Bomb is 27 May 2016, on Cherry Red Records.[10][11]

In June 2017, the band released an eight track 'mini-album' Cardiac Address. The record was funded via crowdfunding, as with the preceding release. It featured a less produced and more aggressive sound. Funds raised supported the bands Vans Warped American tour, June through August.[12][13]

Sponsorship

Sonic Boom Six have had sponsorship from Jägermeister.[14] This has taken the form of running a competition to see the band and featuring the band on their website. The video for Virus was sponsored by the drinks company along with Orange Amps and Gibson Guitars.[15][16]

Other projects

Babyboom

Sonic Boom Six previously performed acoustically under the name Babyboom, and recorded a self-titled EP in February 2006. Whilst the band (with their current line-up) do occasionally play acoustically, it is usually billed as "Sonic Boom Six Acoustic", as opposed to "Babyboom".

Suicide Bid

Laila, Barney and Ben also contribute vocals to the ongoing dub/punk project Suicide Bid and feature heavily on the collective's 2006 album The Rot Stops Here as well as performing live on rare occasions such as Rebellion Festival.

Rebel Alliance Recordings

Rebel Alliance Recordings was originally the band's outlet for releasing the second SB6 album, Arcade Perfect, in 2006, but has since grown into a small record label, counting The Babylon Whackers, Random Hand, Mouthwash and The Skints among its ranks.

Members
  • Paul Barnes (a.k.a. Barney Boom): Bass, Vocals, Guitar
  • Laila Khan (a.k.a. Laila K / Lazer K): Vocals, Melodica
  • Nick Horne (a.k.a. The Blade): Guitar, Trombone, Trumpet, Back-up Vocals, Melodica, Bass
  • James Routh (a.k.a. Jimmy T Boom): Guitar, Synthesiser, Trombone, Bass, Back-up Vocals
  • Luke Hesketh: Drums

Former members
  • Ben Childs (a.k.a. Ben C): Saxophone, Guitar, Vocals (2002–2009)
  • Davey Kelly (a.k.a. Hellfire): Guitar (2002–2005)
  • Neil McMinn (a.k.a. Madfish): Drums, Samples (2002-2015)
  • Matthew Reynolds: Guitar (temporary member, 2009–2010)
  • Lee Hartney: Guitar, Keytar (temporary member, 2011)

Discography

Albums
Year Title Label
2006 The Ruff Guide to Genre-Terrorism Deck Cheese
2009 (Deluxe Edition) Rebel Alliance
2007 Arcade Perfect
2009 City of Thieves
2012 Sonic Boom Six Xtra Mile
2016 The F-Bomb[10] Cherry Red Records[11]

Mini albums
Year Title Label
2017 Cardiac Address[12] Rebel Alliance

EPs
Year Title Label
2002 Sonic Boom Six EP self-released
2003 The Turbo EP Moon Ska Europe
2004 Sounds to Consume
2005 (Champion Edition)
2006 as Babyboom: Babyboom self-released

Singles
Year Title Album Label
2007 All-In The Ruff Guide to Genre-Terrorism Deck Cheese
2009 The Concrete We're Trapped Within (It's Yours) City of Thieves Rebel Alliance
Back 2 Skool
2011 New Style Rocka n/a
Sunny Side of the Street
For the Kids of the Multiculture Sonic Boom Six
Play On (Split with The Nix 86) n/a Asbestos/Underground Communiqué
2012 Virus Sonic Boom Six Xtra Mile
2013 Keep on Believing
2013 The High Cost Of Living
2015 No Man, No Right[10] The F-Bomb Rebel Alliance

Compilation albums
Year Title Label
2008 Play On: Rare, Rejected & Arcade Perfected Rebel Alliance
2010 Rude Awakening

Music videos
  • The Rape of Punk to Come (2004)[17]
  • All-In (2007)[18]
  • While You Were Sleeping (2007)[19]
  • Sound of a Revolution (2009)[20]
  • The Road to Hell is Paved With Good Inventions (2010)[21]
  • New Style Rocka (2011)[22]
  • What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger (2011)[23]
  • Sunny Side of the Street (2011)[24]
  • For the Kids of the Multiculture (2011)[25]
  • Virus (2012)[26]
  • Karma is a Bitch (2013)[27]
  • Keep on Believing (2013)[28]
  • The High Cost Of Living (2013)[29]
  • No Man, No Right (2015)[30]

DVDs
Year Title Label
2007 Ruff and Ready: Live in Manchester self-released
2009 Boom or Bust: Live in Manchester Rebel Alliance

Compilation appearances
Year Title Track(s) Contributed Label
2003 This Are UK Ska Vol. 3[31] Northern Skies Do The Dog
2004 Punktastic Un-Scene[32] Un Scene Punktastic/Sorepoint
Boom Bye Bye
2008 Punktastic Un-Scene Vol. 4[33] An Ode To DIY Promoters Punktastic/Banquet
2009 Go Folk Yourself[34] September To May [Acoustic] Guerilla Asso

References
  1. Kerrang!, April 2011
  2. Kerrang! Magazine Archived 3 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  3. "Sonic Boom Six". Facebook.com.
  4. "Deck Cheese Records". Discogs.com.
  5. "Sonic Boom Six Six - Listen and Stream Free Music, Albums, New Releases, Photos, Videos". Myspace.com.
  6. "Hevy Music Festival 2009". 10 June 2010. Archived from the original on 10 June 2010.
  7. "Banquet Records.com - Sonic Boom Six - City Of Thieves". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016.
  8. Leeds 2009 Festival :: Artist Archived 2 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  9. "Sonic Boom Six". Facebook.com.
  10. "Sonic Boom Six: The F-Bomb". Pledge Music. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  11. "The F-Bomb - Cherry Red Records". Cherryred.co.uk. 13 September 2018. Retrieved 17 September 2018.
  12. "ALBUM: Sonic Boom Six – Cardiac Address | DEAD PRESS! | It's more than "just music" to us". Deadpress.co.uk. Retrieved 17 September 2018.
  14. "Music". Jägermeister. Archived from the original on 29 May 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  15. "FREE SONIC BOOM SIX MUSIC FOR ALL! What's The Catch?! And Another Competition..." Sonicbooksix.co.uk. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  16. "SONIC BOOM SIX unleash their brilliant video for new single 'Virus'". Sonicbooksix.co.uk. Retrieved 29 May 2014.
  17. "The Rape of Punk to Come". Moon Ska World Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  18. "All-In". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  19. "While You Were Sleeping". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  20. "Sound of a Revolution". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  21. "The Road to Hell is Paved With Good Inventions". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  22. "New Style Rocka". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  23. "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  24. "Sunny Side of the Street". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  25. "For the Kids of the Multiculture". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  26. "Virus". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  27. "Karma is a Bitch". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  28. "Keep on Believing". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 14 February 2013.
  29. "The High Cost Of Living". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
  30. "No Man, No Right". Sonic Boom Six Youtube Channel. YouTube. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  31. Leech Shop Archived 6 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  32. "Punktastic Recordings - Punktastic Un-Scene 1". 29 March 2008. Archived from the original on 29 March 2008.
  33. "Punktastic - Un-Scene 4 (30 Seconds To Impact)". Banquetrecords.com.
  34. "V/A - Go Folk Yourself (Double Disc)". Interpunk.com.
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