Sonic Boom Six Are The Sound Of A Revolution At Signature Brew

by | Mar 6, 2024

Ska Punk isn’t dead, and it’s taken over a brewery. Signature Brew in Walthamstow is making a name for itself by holding unexpected small shows stretching from Psychobilly to Celtic punk in the centre of their industrial warehouse, and tonight we’re celebrating Sonic Boom Six, legendarily fiery genre-smashing mainstays of the UK DIY scene, at the launch of their new album Regeneration. One of the best parts about the UK DIY punk scene is the lack separation between the bands and the crowd: at least half the band are spotted wandering between the huge stainless steel vats of craft beer during the support acts, keeping their heads down and preparing for a short but spectacular set.

Sonic Boom Six

Sonic Boom Six (Bree Van Zyl)
Sonic Boom Six (Bree Van Zyl)

“It’s the first gig of the year!” Vocalist Laila K is all smiles and energy, and pauses briefly between flinging herself around the stage like Sonic. “This is a gig like no other! I don’t think we’ve ever had an album launch before…” Considering the strength of their back catalogue, this is surprising. Opener Piggy In The Middle swerves from punching chorus into dreamy bridge, led by churning, heavy bass, and Meanwhile Back In The Real World causes a huge rush from the taproom onto the dance floor. It’s a tune crammed with sped-up classic ska clips and jumps and rabble-rousing energy via frenetic guitar.  Guitarist and co-vocalist Barney Boom leads leads us in full-on, full-body jumping for Future Shock, and their apocalyptic bass returns countered by static cymbals. A show in an industrial space absolutely works for the band’s unflinching take on the world. “Scream for me, London,” shouts Boom and we roar to a video game bass buildup.

Sonic Boom Six

Sonic Boom Six (Bree Van Zyl)
Sonic Boom Six (Bree Van Zyl)

Sonic Boom Six’s power comes from the way they’ve embraced so many diverse influences. As they put it themselves, they are the Kids Of The Multiculture. No Man No Right slips between reggae and feminist affirmation, bringing the kind of political party energy that’s needed on a Friday night. The opening shout to Virus sparks the biggest and most ferocious pit that can be contained in the cramped dance floor. Boom slams across the stage while K posed, frozen, listening for our breathless screams in response until the song dissolves into a Limp Bizkit singalong. Live, What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger has a vast dub energy, and by Sound Of A Revolution the pit has expanded to suck us all in. Sonic Boom Six have a core of steel under the sweet vocals and basslines like rum-soaked earthquakes.

Sonic Boom Six

Sonic Boom Six (Bree Van Zyl)
Sonic Boom Six (Bree Van Zyl)

There’s a total and refreshing honesty in Sonic Boom Six’s shows, and despite their strongly held political views this honesty never translates into po-faced moralising. “This is the tune which inspired me to be a performer,” explains Boom, “Hip hop music is my first love, it’s why I’m here.” They launch into an absolutely joyful cover of Kriss Kross’ Jump, and you have to embrace the massive, unironic love they hold for the music they grew up with. A cheeky smile slips across Boom’s face. “This isn’t the only song about jumping I know,” he says slyly and suddenly they’re onto an update of House Of Pain’s Jump Around. We’re in a life affirming retro dance party and we embrace how right this feels. Suddenly, we fall silent. With just acoustic guitar and voice, Sonic Boom Six rework Sunny Side Of The Street into a touching moment loaded with openness and experience. For a few seconds we really feel united by the sweetness and optimism they conjure. K beams.  “I’m not gonna introduce this next song, let’s just play it!” From across their support bands, Sonic Boom Six have conjured a full brass section for Bigger Than Punk Rock, a reimagining that’s so happily anarchic in its grassroots energy. Drum flurries and the extra brass dimension adds a glitter and richness to create a triumphal finish. It becomes a manifesto, a final thought to take us into the rain and the commute back to reality, because, for an hour or so, we were part of something much bigger than punk rock or ourselves.

Review of Sonic Boom Six live at Signature Brew, London on 1st March 2024 by Kate Allvey.

Esprit D’Air Start A Tsunami In London

The Nocturnal Affair (Press)

The Nocturnal Affair Bring Their Brooding Brand Of Dark Rock Back To The UK And Into Europe For The First Time

Las Vegas dark rockers The Nocturnal Affair are set to make their long-awaited return to the UK — and for the first...
Cian Ducrot (Press)

Cian Ducrot Shares Uplifting New Single ‘Your Eyes’ & Gears Up For UK Tour Ahead Of Sophomore Album ‘Little Dreaming’

Rising Irish pop sensation Cian Ducrot continues his impressive 2025 with the release of his radiant new single Your Eyes, the latest preview from his hotly anticipated sophomore album Little Dreaming, which lands on 1st August via Polydor Records.

Chet Faker (@CaptureCharles)

Chet Faker Shares Stirring New Single ‘Far Side Of The Moon’ & Announces Second London Show

Australian music icon Chet Faker returns with a heart-rending new single, Far Side Of The Moon, his first release since 2023’s Something Like This, and it marks a striking new chapter for one of alt-pop’s most celebrated voices. The track arrives with a cinematic new video and the announcement of a second headline London show at HERE At Outernet on 24th October, following a rapid sell-out of the first date.

Chance Peña (John Choi)

Chance Peña Marks Columbia Records Debut With Haunting New Single ‘Tongue Tied’

Rising Texas-born singer, songwriter, and producer Chance Peña continues his stellar 2025 streak with the release of his evocative new single Tongue Tied, marking his official debut for Columbia Records. Known for blending folk acoustics, indie rock textures, and intimate lyricism, Peña delivers a soulful, stripped-back anthem that resonates with anyone who’s experienced the slow unraveling of a relationship.

Liang Lawrence (Ana Chen)

Liang Lawrence Unveils Reflective New Single ‘A Day Off In Margaritaville’ Ahead Of Autumn UK Tour

Rising alt-pop storyteller Liang Lawrence has shared her shimmering new single A Day Off In Margaritaville, a vibrant, emotionally layered track that marks the first offering from her upcoming EP It’s A Funny Thing, due later this year via The Other Songs.

Mae Stephens (Hannah Burton)

Mae Stephens Returns With Infectious New Single ‘Tiny Voice’

Breakout pop star Mae Stephens is back with a bang as she drops her irresistibly offbeat new single, Tiny Voice — a track as addictive as it is relatable. Following the runaway global success of her hit If We Ever Broke Up, which racked up over 500 million streams, landed her a Top 15 UK single, and earned Gold certifications in both the UK and US, Stephens continues to show why she’s one of the most exciting new voices in pop.

Maya Lane (Press)

Maya Lane Announces New Single ‘I Don’t Know You Yet’ And Debut London Headline Show Ahead Of New EP

Rising UK pop-country star Maya Lane continues her impressive 2025 trajectory with the release of a stunning new single, I Don’t Know You Yet, out now. The introspective, stripped-back track offers a poignant taste of her forthcoming EP, The Hurt And The Healing, due out on 4th September, and precedes her debut headline show at London’s The Grace on 3rd September.

Perera Elsewhere (Hugo Holger Schneider x Gene Glover)

Perera Elsewhere Returns With Electrifying Double Single Ft. Andy S & Announces New Album

Berlin-based, UK-raised experimental artist Perera Elsewhere (aka Sasha Perera) is back with a high-voltage double single, F*ck Le System / Time Will Tell, out now on Friends Of Friends – both featuring viral Ivorian rapper Andy S. The release serves as a bold statement on feminine strength, social rebellion, and sonic experimentation.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing