BOOM! A Film About the Sonics

BOOM! A Film About the Sonics plunges viewers into the untamed realm of rock 'n' roll through the lens of one of the genre's most iconic and influential bands, The Sonics. Founded in 1964 in Tacoma, Washington, this five-man group would revolutionize the musical landscape, shattering conventions and redefining soundscapes. Narrated by the band members themselves – Gerry Roslie, Larry Pynn, Bob Bennett, Rob Lind, and Dell Armstrong – BOOM! masterfully weaves together a narrative that spans multiple continents, tracing the band's incredible journey from obscurity to global phenom in the half-century since their heyday. Born out of Tacoma's vibrant music scene in the early 1960s, The Sonics emerged as a raw, blues-infused force, combining elements of rockabilly, doo-wop, and garage band styles. This unbridled energy and rebellious spirit would become the defining characteristics of the band's music and the film itself. Their 1965 single, "The Witch," exemplified their pioneering sound, as it effortlessly merged primitive production techniques with raw, unbridled intensity. Throughout BOOM!, the band members reflect on their early days as a quintet, struggling to make ends meet while honing their craft amidst Tacoma's gruff, working-class environment. The Sonics' early days were marked by intense rehearsals, gigging at seedy local clubs, and recording for small, local labels. Yet, despite the odds, their unique blend of music captured the hearts of an increasingly large audience, drawing fans from all walks of life into their infectious sonic vortex. The band's initial success was largely fueled by their dynamic live performances, which were equal parts raw energy, primal screams, and infectious dance beats. They effortlessly bridged disparate musical styles, from the primitive punk of "Psycho" to the soaring doo-wop ballad "Cinderella." Their irreverent, carefree attitude mirrored the rebellious zeitgeist of 1960s counterculture, earning The Sonics a loyal following among hip, avant-garde youth. Key to the band's explosive growth was their decision to self-release their self-described debut, "Here Are the Sonics: Greatest Hits." Initially marketed on bootleg copies, the album eventually found its way into mainstream circulation, drawing national attention to this previously regional outfit. With their debut LP spreading like wildfire across the United States, The Sonics' momentum was unstoppable. As the band navigated the late 1960s music scene, they found themselves part of a rapidly changing landscape. Rock 'n' roll had splintered into multiple subgenres: folk rock, psychedelia, and acid rock. The Sonics navigated this maelstrom by doubling down on their raw sound, rejecting elaborate arrangements and studio production in favor of raw energy and in-your-face honesty. However, in the early 1970s, tensions within the band ultimately led to the breakup of The Sonics. After years of touring, constant creative clashes, and personal infighting, the original lineup disintegrated. Though various reunions and reformations followed, the group's original momentum had dissipated. BOOM! picks up where The Sonics' story left off – a little over two decades after their initial breakup. The intervening years saw the band members drifting in different directions, working various musical projects, or pursuing unrelated careers. Yet, despite their divergent paths, the lingering allure of The Sonics persisted. As the film hurtles toward its conclusion, we witness firsthand the resurgent interest in The Sonics. Decades after their initial dissolution, the band has been re-discovered by younger audiences. Their music has also found an unlikely second life in the early 1990s grunge movement, inspiring artists like Nirvana and Green River to rediscover The Sonics' primal energy. In the 1990s and 2000s, the remaining original members regrouped for various reunions and tours, reviving the band's reputation with a new generation of fans. Gerry Roslie, the driving force behind many of The Sonics' most iconic compositions, reflects on this late-career resurgence: "The music never went away. We just went away from it...but the music never goes away." As the documentary concludes, we're left with a profound realization: The Sonics' sonic legacy has outlived even the most optimistic of forecasts. Decades after their heyday, this raw, blues-infused outfit has continued to shape the musical landscape – its indelible mark evident in the music, style, and rebellious spirit of generations yet to come.