Album review: SKINTRADE – The Show Must Go On

April 26th, 2020 by david.wilson

Ninetone Records [Release date 17.04.20]

A few years back I went along to see The Quireboys playing in Glasgow, an excellent night as it always is with Spike and the guys. What made that night extra special was the support band, Red, White and Blues, with Myke Gray on guitar and Matt Alfonzetti on vocals. This still ranks as one of the best support slots I have had the pleasure to witness and I was very impressed with Matt’s vocal performance.

On doing a bit of digging I found out Matt also fronted Skintrade and had done for many years, although they had disbanded for a period and only regrouped again in 2011. This album is the band’s second since that reformation and it may have been six years in the making since the last release but it is well worth the wait.

‘Woman’ kicks things off with a Led Zep feel to it, a heavy bass line and jarring riff which develops into a blues rock monster. Alfonzetti’s rich and strong vocal delivery is perfect for this style of rock and the whole track draws the listener in to hear more.

‘Chosen Ones’ follows, again with a massive groove and big riffs throughout coupled with great harmonies on the chorus. The album title track ‘Show Must Go On’ slows the pace down but is no less effective with a string section added for good measure. The slower verses lead into another huge chorus with outstanding guitar work from Stefan Bergstrom.

The guys then go for a Black Star Riders twin guitar attack on the driving ‘Falling Down’ which is an all out rocker. ‘Tower’ then brings things down once more with a slow paced, bluesy feel. It is the chorus once again that hooks you in, melodic and harmonious in equal measure, these guys know how to write a killer tune.

The next track ‘Ain’t Me’ has a bit of a country feel with slide guitar work throughout but still manages to be as heavy as a bag of cement. The guys then take another twist with ‘Other Side’ which has a soulful feel with Bergstrom again shining on guitar.

The pace is then upped once more and the blues rock is back to the fore for the closing track ‘River Of Tears’ which again finds Alfonzetti in great voice.

This album is a quality product, rocking blues at it’s finest coupled with soulful ballads make this a must hear for any lovers of classic rock. I am now off to explore the band’s back catalogue… ****

Review by Dave Wilson

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.