Reel Big Fish had to wait though as Manchester's own Sonic Boom Six were first up. Playing new material from last year's City Of Thieves, as well as mixing in some old favourites, SB6 were on their normal fiery self. Whilst their sound felt muted at times due to the big venue, and slowly entering crowd, SB6 did their best to ignite the touch paper of the Ska-Punk evening ahead. Laila again showed why she's such a great front-woman, revelling in the recent Christmas number one when announcing Sound Of A Revolution, selling merch, and even posing for a photo with me.
Big D And The Kids Table where up after them, with the quintet accompanied by 'The Dollies', looking as beautiful as ever and sounding even better. The set list included some of the more mellow from their latest album, Fluent In Stroll and some of their more punked up songs for good measure. Whilst some of the slower songs confused those only there to party by the end of their set the room was packed, and everyone was warmed up and ready for the headliners.
Starting with the upbeat Sellout and only getting quicker from there on in, the next hour and a half became a flowery, multi-coloured blur. Choosing to play more songs instead of banter was a good decision, keeping the entire front half of the venue bouncing throughout their set (to my glasses-wearing friend's discomfort).
Reel Big Fish have created their ska legacy around crazy shows, and eccentric showmanship and, whilst the banter was downplayed for once (except with a guitar problem that somehow made the song better due to, "funky hold music", and a cover of Enter Sandman) their expertise still shines through. With the traditional invitation to Laila to sing with them on She Has A Girlfriend Now, as well as new songs from their upcoming covers album that incited the sweaty kerfuffle of the friendliest mosh pit around, Reel Big Fish proved they are still the Ska Kings.
Words: Daniel Winter
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