throw back | bomb city 7

(photo by Ciara Mc Mullan)

Name: Bomb City 7

Genre: Hip-Hop Punk Disco
For Fans Of: Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, Run DMC
Location: Belfast

Bomb City 7 were a group quite unlike any other we've produced before, or since. Armed with a huge sound, an incredible stage presence (when they were actually on the stage that is, and not diving off it) and an ever present two fingered salute to society, this was a special band capturing a special time.

Active mainly between 2010 and 2013, Bomb City 7 were a part of the 'Little Solidarity Movement' and the after effects of that unique time for Northern Irish indie music. They were a part of a scene buzzing each night, as Belfast played host to some legendary moments. Their name is draped upon that famous old poster in the Oh Yeah Centre alongside More Than Conquerors, And So I Watch You From Afar, Cashier No.9, Mojo Fury and the like, as their unique blend of hip-hop, rap and guitar riffs regularly whipped audiences into a frenzy.

At the heart of Bomb City 7 lay their dynamic duo. A frontmanship unlike any other, Brendan Seamus' free flowing wit combined with 'Kev Bones' melodic guitar tones made for some great renegade pop music. Now well established in their own rights, anyone new to the Northern Irish music scene may not know that Brendan 'Brendy' Seamus is now the solo rapper Bee Mick See, whilst Kev went on to focus on fronting hard rockers 'Empty Lungs' ~ not a world away from Bomb City 7, but an intriguing breakdown of the influences that made them great.

At the time Bomb City 7 were very much alone in their style and verve. Few would attempt to rap in a Belfast accent and even fewer were prepared to sing about the nations short comings in such straightforward terms. Thankfully, the spirit of the band has remained and as time has progressed we've seen more and more bands taking to the stage inspired by City 7's attitude. Acts like 'Bunny and the Banned Its' (once banned by nearly every venue in Belfast), Green Monkey and even Robocobra Quartet have all openly drawn on hip-hop, rap and the American underground to craft their music, which, like it or not, was basically pioneered by Bomb City 7 in Belfast.

Also quick to help the next generation, the band's final ever gig saw them give a nod to the fast emerging Wonder Villains, selling out Queens Speakeasy in the process.

Going out on the metaphorical (so we assume...) high they deserved, Bomb City 7's debut EP 'Songs From Bomb City 7' still holds up today as a collection of timeless party anthems; and perhaps that's the best way to remember them. No matter how much time passes, this band will never stop giving it stacks.

Taylor Johnson