Album review: SKINDRED – Smile
Earache Records [Release date 04.11.23]
This reviewer knew Skindred by name but never really listened to them (more fool me!) until hearing ‘Gimme That Boom’ on a new arrivals playlist on a streaming service. Then off down to HMV to buy the CD on release week and after a fair few spins, deciding to pen this review as the album will feature in my year end top five. Even better news was that the album debuted at number two on the UK album chart and topped the UK rock & metal chart.
Skindred maybe focussed on frontman Benji Webbe, however, the album is a real band effort as bassist Daniel Pugsley, guitarist Mikey Demus, and drummer Arya Goggin all add their own musical stamp onto the album’s sound. ‘This Appointed Love’ proof of that, bringing in guitars, those big muthatrucking drums and bass, all topped off by Benji’s vocals. Like a ska metal mash-up!
Highlights? To be fair the whole album! ‘Gimme That Boom’ has an infectious chorus, whilst ‘L.O.V.E. (Smile Please)’ achieved the band’s aim of becoming a summer banger, with its mix of pop, reggae and rock. What’s not to love with the reggae beat, horns and children’s choir on the chorus?
‘If I Could’ will please the metalheads who follow the band, with both ‘Black Stars’ (there is serious riffing, both on guitars and vocally, on this one) and the hip hop vibe on ‘State of the Union’ showing Skindred have their finger on the current state of the nation.
‘Mama’ throws a big curveball and its beautiful lyric praising the hard working mum’s of the world. Those horns are back on this one too.
‘Unstoppable’ ends the album on a high note, an album that is a rare five-star album. Definitely all killer, no filler. *****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
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