Sonic Boom Six

21st Century Appearances: 2009 Main Stage, 2007 Lock Up, 2006 Lock Up

The Defining Reading Moment: Going from the bottom of the Lock Up to the main stage in just three years.

Manchester rockers Sonic Boom Six seem to be the very definition of a marmite band. For every fan of their genre fusing style, there seems to be another that just can’t get on with front woman Laila K’s squeaky vocals. Nevertheless, they make our list on the grounds of being a phenomenal live act and becoming Reading regulars over the last few years. Having played the lock up in 2006 and 2007, they stepped out of their comfort zone to open the main stage for the weekend in 2009 in a set that drew plaudits and criticism in equal dollops. Love them or hate them, they make the list. Tom Forster