Manchester band Sonic Boom Six have returned for there fourth album, They haver never been easy to pin down to genre having taking influence from a variety of music from Bad Brains to The streets. They combine punk Elements with Ska and even reggae. Such is the diversity of the band they have been gaining a cult following throughout the punk and underground scene through there impressive live shows, brilliant music and a political interest in wanting to challenge britain and on the whole uplifting lyrics.
With the release of the self titled album, it is easy to tell that the band has evolved, but for the better I'm not sure. Sonic Boom Six have always been a band a band influenced electronically. However the self titled feels heavily produced, aruably overproduced with the amount of synth and electronic beats. It almost feels like a punk version of Pendulum, and to me just feels against what the band is about. Sonic Boom Six is better suited towards gritty music full of raw aggression, which conflicts better towards the message they are trying to get across both vocally and musically. Im all for bands evolving and challenging themselves but it feels like a step back for those who have been a fan of there previous music. Will this gain them more mainstream attention, its hard to tell though with the amount of crossover acts that are becoming ever increasing with bands combining metal with dub step and other contrasting genres, then you will probably have to say yes.
The thing is the self titled is not a bad album, there are some brilliant moments on the record. "For The Kids Of The Multi-culture," is a great introduction to the album and in Sonic Boom Six fashion contains some really intriguing lyrics and addresses positive points about been a Multi-Cultured country and learning of each other and getting on in society as well as the evolution of times from the past. Musically its a great introduction with great powerful riffs and a great beat to dance your rockers off to.
"Virus," will also be a fan favourite and will really come into its own at live shows. Despite suffering the "single," treatment it is still the strongest song on the record. Lyrically the song is great and inspiring as you would expect by now. The intro is incredible as it starts you off getting pumped into when leila's vocals kickstart. "Virus," is just a great dance rock anthem full of great moments including the breakdown to "we have the virus," just great and clever song writing. They really choose the right song to release as the single and video.
Throughout the album the diversity of the album shines through. a lot of the album has a heavy dub feel as you would expect though that does not mean they have forgotten about what have made them a great act in the underground scene. The album contains great heavy moments going with the horns, in typical Ska fashion combining with the electronic beat. The album is not at all repetitive and keeps you guessing after several listens. One can't doubt there creativity and intriguing song patterns.
"Keep On Believing," and "Karma Is A Bitch," are the other highlights on the record, especially "Keep On Believing," which contains great lyrics and one of the most catchiest chorus's. It almost has a Andrew WK vibe towards it, just fun party rock with encouraging lyrics.
Overall the Self Titled is a good record, however I still stand by my original points. If this was a new band the album would score much highly or my first listen to Sonic Boom Six. However having been a fan of the band for years and listened to all there records this is the weakest album. I"m still against the introduction of a more electronic influenced record as it devalues there morales for me though theres no denying its a fun record with its moments that will gain them more mainstream popularity, to Sonic Boom Six fans this album may be a bit like Marmite, you will either love it or hate it. having said that I fall in between. hate the bands direction but as to what they have become its worth acquiring.
Similar Artists : The King Blues, The Skints, Capdown, Random Hand
7/10
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