Reading band SixNationState revive ska with self-titled debut album

The Southampton band began their career by playing to a packed out 3B’s during the first Reading Fringe Festival in 2005. 6NS meteoric rise has seen them go from being prolific on the Reading music scene to being signed to indie giant Jeepster and releasing a 12-track, self-titled debut album in October.

From the cover artwork, it was clear to see where the boy’s heart lies; they paid homage to their army of loyal fans by putting their pictures in the centrefold (including yours truly). The album itself is a brilliantly produced body of work, that offers fans something different but never loses the energy and rawness that is synonymous with the band. Recorded in the world famous Metropolis Studios and produced by Iain Gore (Babyshambles, Brakes) the tracks sound more rounded but never lose their edge. Close your eyes and you can almost pretend that frontman Gerry and his band of men are in your front room treating you to a private performance.

Their up-beat tracks are reminiscent of The Coral in their early days. Taking influence from ska and Latino beats, but together with punk attitude, listening to them is the equivalent of doing MDMA bombs during the Rio Carnival.

The band pay fans by always giving a bit of themselves, being accessible. In true 6NS style they celebrated the release of the single We Could Be Happy (released Oct 9) by performing at famed Reading live music night Club Velocity. The event turned into a party for the band and their friends as they past around sambucca and sweets in the sweltering heat of the quirky intimate setting of the Rising Sun Arts Centre. Undeterred, the crowd sang along and jumped around like loons! The crowd-pleasing quintet has been on the road for what seems like ever, but this doesn't seem to affect their on-stage energy, obviously using a copious amount of Pro-Plus!

The party carried on until the small hours in the legendary After Dark, but somehow Madonna squealing about feeling like a virgin just didn't cut the mustard in comparison.

I'm posting this video because I'm in it... You can't see me, but I was there. In fact Jerry asked me to be at the front in the party scene, but I was too busy drinking and playing poker.

First published 2008