Posted on April 28, 2010 - by Emma Stone

Sonic Boom Six + Knockout + Kickback UK

SB6 © Emma Stone

Manchester Academy
Manchester, UK
Sunday 18th April 2010

Kickback UK, obviously stoked to be playing this gig, are eager to get stuck into their set and get people dancing. A couple of technical hitches and broken strings allowed for that uneasy moment where the silence needs to be filled with a good few minutes of awkward banter onstage. Once they’ve gotten into the swing of things, their potential really shines through.  Shying away from the traditional easygoing ska sound and opting for a slightly heavier style, their brass is more of a backing sound than an obvious part of the songs, and it works well.  Though the first slot at a gig is never easy, Kickback UK have the enthusiasm and the talent to make it work.

Kickback UK © Emma Stone

All the way from Riverside California, Knockout‘s punk with undertones of reggae/ska are just what the crowd need on a Sunday night to keep them moving.  ‘Moving On’ seems obviously inspired by ska veterans Reel Big Fish, certainly their song ‘Beer’.  They know how to interact with the crowd and keep them happy.  Slowing it down with ‘Fade Away’, Jared Palazzolo’s voice reminds me of Jimmy Eat World’s Jim Adkins crossed with the laid back tones of Sublime’s Brad Nowell, the latter seeming to be a definite influence on their music.  Joined by Laila K for a cover of their much loved ‘It Must Be Love’ (Madness), Knockout’s return is definitely a successful one, and hopefully they will return soon.

Whilst some bands may take the time out to get new songs written, break from touring and allow new members to settle in, Sonic Boom Six carry persevere and let nothing hold them back.  Tonight proves that this was in no way the wrong choice.  With a batch of brand new tunes and new guitarist ‘Jimmy T Boom’ to show off, Sonic Boom Six have the crowd in the palm of their hands.  New song ‘Banditos’, written by Jimmy himself, is the perfect opportunity for the Manchester crowd to welcome him, and welcome him they do, chanting his name none stop until they start to play.  ‘Shockwaves’ sees Laila singing more in the verse than in some songs of late; with a heavier intro and a chilled out chorus,

Knockout © Emma Stone

it perfectly encapsulates their mix of influences and the style that they play best.

Barney Boom seems to have a new lease of life, taking over the majority of the vocals in songs such as ‘Strange Transformation’ and a new, as of yet untitled, tune about sticking to their roots and where they came from, his raw energy completely taking over the stage.  Going from the untitled track straight into the Rebel Alliance ft. Suicide Bid track ‘Ya Basta!’ to a truly amazing cover of ‘Totally Addicted To Bass’ (Puretone).  Taking it back a few years with a synthed-up version of ‘Rape of Punk To Come’, and ending with the ever popular ‘Bigger Than Punk Rock’, it’s great to see that the final Sonic Boom Six line up are just as cracking as they ever were.