Street Voice UK

Friday 13th October – What a day to have a gig!

The day didn’t start off too well. The charger for my camera broke, the heavens opened and the trains were running late! That was just for starters!

Arriving earlier than planned into Birmingham because trains were being cancelled I headed off into the LGBT Quart for a couple of drinks. I avoided Cafe Soya my favourite restaurant as recent health issues has seen most food competely batter me so I just stuck to a vegan sausage roll from Greggs.

Soon it was time to head off to the Sunflower Lounge and had a bit of a catch up with Nick from Sonic Boom Six and was catching some great ska tunes from DJ Matt Stocks. Mark was a great addition to this gig as I loved every tune he played and some of the crowd were having a little boogie to his tunes.

8.15 arrived and it was time for Lunar Hijack a powerul pop-punk band from Birmingham being the main support for Sonic Boom Six.

Never heard of these guys before but they delivered a great set from start to finish. Couldn’t fault them and the crowd lapped them up! Even the amusing moment of the vocalist / guitarist slipping over didn’t phase them at all! He does need to start drinking again if it helps with the balance, haha!

I enjoyed every moment of their set and I encourage people to check this band out – I believe they’ve just released an EP on all music formats such as Spotify, I-Tunes etc. They probably have CD’s available too but I forgot to ask!

If you love punk rock with catchy riffs and choruses I promise you’ll love Lunar Hijack!

Matt Stock was soon back on the decks winning the audience over with more ska tunes but for me it was a little too hot and I needed to go upstairs for some fresh air!

After composing myself outside for some much needed fresh air I headed over to the SB6 merch table to say hello to Joanne. We both had a hug and a great catch up. Always lovely to see her!

Soon it was time for the band everyone was here for – Sonic Boom Six!

As they headed to the stage I had a quick hello with Laila and Barney. Always good to see them!

The crowd were buzzzing and it was bloody hot. Was it a good idea weariong make-up as it started to run! Oh No!

There was no time to worry about that as Laila and co opened up with ‘Piggy In The Middle’ and there was no let up throughout their 45 minute set. Their punk/ska/hip-hop sound was being lapped up by the crowd. Looking around everyone was up for it from the band to the crowd! Even the new songs were loved!

Through track after track no one would have thought it was five years since SB6 were on tour. Laila spoke about her fears about not being relevant anymore – I got that as sometimes I feel the same – But she needn’t have worried as we the audience were enjoying the live experience as much as the band were!

Trying to take photos was a nightmare so I gave up and what I did notice were no phones in sight. Everyone was there for a good time and that’s the first time I’d been to a gig where my view wasn’t blocked by a bloody mobile phone!

I loved hearing songs like ‘No Man No Right’, ‘Virus’, ‘High Cost Of Living’, ‘Kids Of The Multiculture and ‘Sound Of A Revolution’ again! In fact I was so happy the health problems seemed to vanish for 45 minutes. I really wanted to see these play live again and they didn’t let me down.

SB6 and the Duel are my favourite bands from this century and I’ve now seen both regenerate and play awesome gigs in 2023

Seeing Laila and Barney work together again as the front of the band was awesome and Nick I love to see him play guitar – It used to be a pleasure seeing him play in Howards Alias too! The bassist and drummer work so well with SB6 too!

Soon it was all over and I had to leg it to train station but what a night! What a show!

Sonic Boom Six have a compilation of re-mixed songs coming out shortly!

A big thank you to all at Sonic Boom Six and Mark from Dusty Pop Entertainments for sorting the show out!

Photos / Words: Kathleen Riot