Sonic Boom Six – RE:Generation

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Sonic Boom Six

Sonic Boom Six

RE:Generation - Rebel Alliance Recordings

Manchester, UK’s Sonic Boom Six have now been with us for over two decades, so the time seems right for a retrospective, which is handy as that’s exactly what RE:Generation delivers, but this is not just your common or garden upcycling of past glories. During the enforced cessation of touring and pretty much all things fun that involved leaving the house, Sonic Boom Six took the opportunity to re-energise themselves and write new material and return refreshed and ready for the fray once more. The first example of this was 2023’s double a-side single, Future Shock & One Of The Boys, which is of course included in full amidst the alternate versions, single mixes and revamped and remastered nuggets from their past.

Re: Generation is a handy starting point for the uninitiated, but it doesn’t abandon their long standing fans as there is plenty to discover and rediscover for all but the most die hard enthusiasts. Whilst the band have indicated that this largely retrospective collection draws a line in the sand and looks towards the band’s future, one that they’ve indicated will be a new way forward, but importantly it will also be one that acknowledges their past. In that context RE:Generation makes perfect sense for a band who are still looking forward, despite over two decades together with numerous line up changes and countless miles on the road.

Sonic Boom Six

Re:Generation focuses on the material from the band’s second primary line up, so let’s start with two new tracks. One Of The Boys delivers a manic yet mellow and melodic modern take on ska that addresses the state of British politics, whilst it’s counterpart, Future Shock, delivers a dancefloor ready hit that addresses the endless divisive bickering and sniping that sadly populates social media. Sonic Boom Six aren’t pulling their punches going forward, but what of the retrospective element of Re:Generation? There are single mixes, 2023 EQ versions and a selection of tracks curated by the band from the last dozen or so years that provides a snapshot of their mix of political fury, ska, two tone, beats and heavy guitars that combine in a sequence of dance floor ready anthems. Overall RE:Generation delivers an oversight the bands dynamic and varied history, at least the latter half of it. Here’s to their past, present and future.

RE:Generation is out now via the bands own Rebel Alliance Recordings and is available on CD, vinyl, with bundles available with both formats, and through streaming platforms. Sonic Boom Six will also be playing a run of US dates next month with festival appearances planned across the summer.