Rarely does a package tour arrive in town with the potential of the current Sonic Boom Six jaunt, a line-up that promises musical originality, a hard working ethic and a truckload of good times.

Local Oi! band The Zero Zeroes kick-starts events with an enjoyable set of political orientated punk ditties. The band is clearly up for a good time, ripping through such tracks as 'Rules & Regulations' and 'A.S.B.O.' with passion, talent, and some witty banter. A cover of the classic Creedence Clearwater Revival track 'Bad Moon Rising' proves to be a guilty pleasure.

Tonight there's almost a sense that Grown At Home are going through the motions. This isn't so much a gripe at the band as it is an observation on how comfortable the band has become with its sound. The six-piece has clearly honed its sound, and is well versed in the set they play tonight. As ever, 'Three Strikes' and 'Don't Be a Menace' sound superb, and even manage to encourage a few crowd members to skank away, but you can't help but feel that a few new additions to the set will ignite the band once again.

On paper The Flaming Tsunamis shouldn't work: the idea of blending brutal screaming with skacore-esque horns seems a little too wacky. Well, tear that piece of paper up because the band produces a performance that is as enjoyable as it is innovative. Crammed onto the stage, the Connecticut sextet is awash with energy bounding about bumping into each other and generally enjoying themselves. Whereas the band's sound is based in hardcore there is a sense of merriment not oft seen in that particular genre. The crowd warms to the band as the set develops, and at the final call there's a patter of feet as a few rush off to pick up merchandise.

Sonic Boom Six returns for a third Luton appearance in 19 months, an appearance heavily focused on new album Arcade Perfect. From the opening grooves of the album's title track it's clear that the band is looking to provide an onslaught of ska infused punk rock, whilst rallying around its now trademark genre-busting hub of musical influence.

For the first time this evening every pair of eyes is firmly locked on the stage, lapping up the band's mix of punk ('Bigger Than Punk Rock'), hip-hop ('Tell Me Something I Don't Know'), ska ('While You Were Sleeping') and reggae ('Flower'), a combination that defies onlookers to head for the freezing beer garden.

The new set is constructed near perfectly, and played likewise, no mean feat considering this is only the eleventh date of the tour: normally it takes bands months to make a performance seem this effortless. It's a testament to the hard work that has been put into the live Boom show over the past few years.

On stage, lead-singer Laila K smilingly bounces around and Bassist Barney is frantic energy personified (at one point even attempting an NFL style chest bump, unsuccessfully I might add). Guitarist Ben Childs looks on like the discerning parent of the two, unable to hide a smile at the antics. Drummer Neil McMinn, fast becoming one of the most competent sticksmen around, is a picture of concentration amidst a blur of flailing limbs. Add to this a revolving brass section and you have the traditional SB6 fair that makes the band essential in today's musical arena, as well as tomorrows.

Alex Hambleton for http://www.dtamusic.co.uk