Sixty 6 - Crash and Burn By Nick Quantrill

Sixty6 are an exciting power-pop three-piece from York who are starting to make waves across the country and attract the interest of major label record companies. The band confirms this potential with the release of the CD, Crash and Burn. A tight and powerful machine, Sixty6 comprises Mikey on guitars and vocal duty, Tuj on bass guitar and Walt on drums. The CD contains seven high-energy numbers recorded over two sessions. Although this leads to the production quality on the cd fluctuating it also highlights an important point.

The difference between the sessions, though only months apart, is so marked that you can hear a band that is improving at a rapid rate. The more recent recordings really grab the attention and alert you to the fact that this band may be developing into something special. The over-riding influences of Ash, Green Day and The Stereophonics are all drawn together on the final track, Crash, which creates the distinctive Sixty6 sound. On top of this Mikey is able to sprinkle that rare bit of extra special magic. Possessing a remarkable rock 'n' roll voice, his vocal ability is the band's ace card. Sounding a little like Kelly Jones of The Stereophonics, his vocals are controlled and assured but they can also cut loose when required.

It's often the case when reviewing demos that there is one talented member carrying the weight within the band. That is no the case with Sixty6 as the rhythm section genuinely impresses. Walt and Tuj are not only tight as a unit, but they play as if their lives depend upon it, adding driving rhythms and impressive arrangements to colour the songs. Sixty6 can also take the tempo down a little and produce more mellow results. From the later session, This Is Not Me illustrates this point. The slower pace creates a denser atmosphere and displays a certain maturity, aided by the added instrumentation and harmonies.

In comparison to Can't Let Go, the newer recording demonstrates the improvement that the band has undergone. Backwards In is a fine example of the poppy nature of the band. Underpinned by a simple acoustic rhythm guitar and the clever use of backing vocal harmonies, Backwards In would certainly be at home on an early Stereophonics album. With its infectious melody the song could conceivably become a radio favourite. Sometimes is an infectious pop-punk number reminiscent of early Green Day. Possessing a killer riff and layered harmonies, it's a highlight of the CD and it also demonstrates how tight the band is as a three-piece. By way of comparison with Underneath The Rain, Sometimes illustrates how capable the band can be. Where as Sometimes boasts an interesting arrangement built around, but not dominated by its killer guitar riff, Underneath The Rain tends to go round in ever decreasing musical circles leaving the band chasing their own tails with little success before the song ends.

I would argue that the band would have been better served by paring down the number of tracks on the CD to the four tracks mentioned above as some of the older material does pale in comparison to these tracks. However, the philosophy of releasing all the material, most of it available for free on their excellent website, is to be applauded as it can only serve to raise interest in the band and it also allows the listener to hear how the band is progressing.

Sixty6 are clearly hugely committed to their music. A glance at their gig listings tells you that here is a band prepared to play to people around the country, probably at huge expense to themselves, in an attempt to build a fanbase. With huge support in their home city of York and from their local music venue, Fibbers, the band look all set to up their game even further throughout 2005. Crash and Burn contains some of the most exciting and promising music I've heard so far this year from an unsigned band. It all adds up to Sixty6 being a genuinely exciting prospect well worth keeping an eye on; Sixty6 may well prove to be the real deal. For more information go to: www.sixty6.co.uk Sixty6 play The Sesh, Linnet and Lark, supporting The Bonnitts Hull on Tuesday 17th May, 2005.

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