SINGLE REVIEW: Sonic Bomb – Low Blow
Sonic Bomb shift gears in spectacular fashion on their latest single ‘Low Blow’, trading the punky chaos of their debut for something darker, heavier, and far more theatrical. From the first crashing drum hits and whining guitars, the track announces itself as something big—bold, dynamic, and absolutely packed with presence. It’s a tightly structured, adrenaline-fuelled slab of alt-metal-meets-art-rock that bristles with tension and dramatic flair.
The rhythm section does a lot of heavy lifting here. The thumping bassline gives the song its grit, while the drums take on a near-tribal energy in the latter half, rising to the front with pounding urgency just as the vocals slither back in. It's all carefully measured: when the vocals take centre stage, the instrumentation holds steady, allowing JoJo’s performance to drive the emotional weight. When things cut loose instrumentally, it's with deliberate impact, creating a sense of release and momentum that keeps everything moving.
JoJo’s vocals are front and centre throughout—expressive, charismatic, and constantly shifting between sinister shock-rock drama, classic rock confidence, and punk-rooted sneer. There’s a theatrical quality to the delivery, like a spotlight moving across a stage, revealing different moods and personas with each verse. It’s not just style over substance though—there’s a real emotional core behind the lyrics, and the uneasy tone in her voice adds to the track’s intrigue.
And then there’s the chorus: big, hooky, and built to stick. It strikes that fine balance between catchy and intense, without losing the brooding undercurrent that runs throughout the song. ‘Low Blow’ is loud, dramatic, and creatively unhinged in all the right ways. It doesn’t fit into a single genre box, and that’s exactly the point—this is a band thriving on unpredictability, pulling from punk, metal, and alt rock but twisting it into something distinctly their own.
Another killer track from Boston’s Sonic Bomb, ‘Low Blow’ flourishes in its contrasts—controlled chaos, sharp structure, and an undeniable theatrical streak that makes it as captivating as it is loud. There’s real bite here, but also a strong sense of identity and ambition. If this is just a taste of what’s to come, their upcoming LP is shaping up to be something seriously exciting.
