Band name: Black Sonic Revolver

Members:

Leon James Kenny, aged 27, guitar / vocals

Adam Keen, aged 27, guitar / backing vocals

Ryan Vernon, aged 23, bass

Dave Smith, aged 25, drums / percussion

When and where did you form?

Black Sonic Revolver formed in the Prestwich area as a creative concept in 2013, after a year of Leon demo-ing ideas at his house. The initial conception consisted of myself (Leon) and a group of friends recruited from various other Manchester bands and together the band gigged regularly locally, attracting attention for some of the wild antics at the early gigs, which included everything from handing out tambourines while inciting mass stage invasions to jumping over a canal during a show. Never a dull moment in 2013....

What is your sound and who are your influences?

Our sound is largely based around alternate rock, with a bluesy sound and a splash of psychedelic guitars for good measure. Our influences vary from the sound of 1960s Britain, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Stevenson Ranch Davidians, and even the beats of DJ Shadow (the last one is Dave's...)

What is the biggest gig you have played to date?

To date, we've played just a handful of shows with much bigger acts, because most seem reluctant to give us the opportunity for the fear that we'll show 'em up and steal all their fans..... maybe....!

Two shows with Cast frontman John Power spring to mind. We've also performed a few times with Noel Gallagher's signings Proud Mary, who are a great band, taking main support roles. The band has also performed with former Bluetones frontman Mark Morris' band, Hurricane #1, Chris Helme and Tom Hingley.

If you are not already, is it your ambition to become professional?

Of course. I firmly believe that given the time, space, backing and exposure as these bigger acts, there's no reason why we wouldn't grasp that opportunity and do well for ourselves. We have a ton of real songs that detail things that we all as people go through. We have strong personalities and we put on great shows. We're a very grounded, polite bunch, we don't tolerate arrogance but give us a show with anyone tomorrow, at any arena, stadium, it doesn't matter — Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds do not intimidate us. Neither do the Arctic Monkeys, Royal Blood, Catfish & The Bottlemen, not one of them would "blow us off stage" if we performed with them. We just need that opportunity, and if someone can offer that to us, we'll prove ourselves.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

The line in our song, Future, sums up this question — "If I knew all the things that I know now, would I change time if I knew how?"

We really don't know! Imagine if we did though, life would be a lot less adventurous, don't you think? Life has a way of sneaking up on you. It's nice not to know, keeps us on our toes.

Is there anything unusual or interesting about the band?

Yeah, loads! We would urge people to come to a live show and party with us and see for themselves. That's how we see gigs, a big party. Music, uniting people and it usually all happens at our gigs. You'll have a great time.

Upcoming gigs?

We're currently recording our second studio album so the main focus is on that, as we've just completed a round of shows to promote the first album and are currently booking some more. July 4 — South Sea Live, Sheffield, August 1 — Carpe Diem, Leeds, September 18 — Revolver, Bristol, October 17 — Oxjam, Leeds, October 24 — Cafe Drummonds, Aberdeen.