Loudly-played trumpets? Check. Felt trilby hats adorned with badges? Check. An extremely enthusiastic crowd? It’s all there. If, on your usual Thursday night, it was a bit of chill-out, rhythmic ska merged with some top class punk you were after, then Sonic Boom Six supported by New Town Kings was definitely the place to be. Held at The Twist, a more underground and intimate music venue compared to others in the East Anglia area, there were already queues of people outside when I turned up.

A surprising start from lesser-known band The Skints had the audience moving from the off. There didn’t seem to be a particular front person, instead, with a mixture of vocals from the guitarist, saxophonist and drummer, all came together to achieve some outstanding harmonies. Swaying between some relaxed reggae and a few punky-ska beats, the quartet had the crowd dancing all throughout their 30 minute set, and even toward the end of the performance allowed audience members to climb on stage to share the intense energy being generated by the band.

After a short break, and much to the audience’s surprise, next came on not the scheduled New Town Kings, but Sonic Boom Six, the main act of the evening. With hardly an explanation, the band just pumped straight into their first song, clearly enjoying the still hyped-up crowd thanks to the previous ensemble, and, as predicted, they delivered. Vocalist and frontwoman Laila K thrusted a truckload of energy into this performance, despite the fact that her and her bandmate’s 'gigography' once consisted of performing to thousands at Leeds festival, and holding their own shows at famous venues all over London. And yet here they are, in a small venue of no more than 150 people. Aside from a few uncomfortable glances at the minimal crowd prior to playing, Sonic Boom Six did not appear phased once the lights were down, and the Manchester-based quintet gave it their all in the form of the punk-ska-hiphop roots they‘ve put their name to.

Last on stage is the New Town Kings, bringing forth a delicious mix of ska, reggae and 2 tone. Now popular within the boundaries of East Anglia and London, it is obvious the ten-piece have perfected the art of crowd pleasing. One could suggest that the tightly-packed fans were not actually there to see the main headliners Sonic Boom Six, but to see this glorious ensemble of shining talent, enthusiasm and liveliness that easily dominates over other local musical outfits of the same genre.

This being the third time I’ve seen this band in the local area, I have to say I’m very impressed with how they’ve grown since the first time I saw them two years ago. Having won the O’Neill’s Undiscovered Live competition hosted by Radio 1’s Colin Murray in 2007, it’s safe to say they are climbing their way up the ladder to becoming a well-known name in the UK.

With most of the crowd recognising their tunes, it was easy to see the band were thrilled at the turn out, evidenced through new trumpeter, or 'King No. 10', Dave Rowland, who could not help but take a second whilst on stage to look out toward the crowd, and then back to his band mates, and then to smile at the proceedings.

Words & Photos > Steph Moules