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Facebook [Release date 27.10.23]
Skinny Knowledge release ‘TwentyTwo’ as the notoriously tricky second album, following on from their debut in 2021 with ‘Don’t Turn Out the Lights’.
On producing Andy Smooth states, “The overall sound of the album has taken a slightly heavier turn, but nothing too drastic. The thing I’m excited about is that we’ve formed our own ‘sound’ now as the debut (‘Don’t Turn Out the Lights’) was all me and recorded during lockdown.”
This album is truly no follow on, this is an album that grabs you from the off and makes you listen up, no fillers on here, every track delivers with bigger hooks, heavier sound, fast pace and clever story telling lyrics that are delivered completely on point, with the bonus of complimentary harmonies from other members of the band, this album is packed full of talent – don’t take my word for it, give it a listen!
The Skinny Knowledge lads, “We’re super excited for everyone to hear ‘twentytwo.’ as it’s for all, for everyone to enjoy. If you’ve ever been through a break-up, had any hard, difficult times and are feeling lots of mixed emotions, there will definitely be something on this album for you!”
Guitars/bass and backing vocals come from Max Harris, Rab McGowan, mixed by Andy and Harrison Perks (Frank Turner, The Answer), additional engineering by Joe Burgess at The Ranch Production House and mastered by Grant Berry of Fader Mastering (Boston Manor, Cold Years).
‘Twenty Two’ has 11 tracks, some of which were co-written with Matt Bigland of Dinosaur Pile-Up. Andy opens up on some of the inspiration, “This is a journal of my life through 2022. I’ve always written songs that are honest, and come from real experiences, no fictional writing. Every word I sing is a true story, and real feelings that I’ve been through. This album is no exception.”
1.‘I Wanna (Rock N’ Roll)’, the sing-along opening upbeat track, Frontman and guitarist Andy L Smooth sets the scene, “It is what it says on the tin! Instead of sitting and dwelling, it’s about wanting to go out and party, let loose, and forget about it all – “I’m just here because I want to party, I’m just here because I’m broken-hearted”. It’s that simple!” The track sets the tone for the rest of the album with what I think is a fair reflection on no matter what hard times we’ve experienced, when it comes down to the heart of it, we just want to get over it and enjoy ourselves again!
2. ‘Disobey’ love this from the opening immense heavy bass line which is swiftly complimented by fast paced punchy vocals and call to arms.
3. ‘Strike Out!’ reiterating the rhetoric that we are all here for a good time. This is a very upbeat, high-energy track.
4. ‘Going up in Smoke’ I absolutely love the guitar structures of this, it really emphasises the lyrics and encapsulates all the angst in a relationship break up “I lit a fire for you and I…. I wish I could forget what you said”.
5. Devil Lives Within’ tackles the demons we all face when whilst we might envisage ourselves as heroes, we all have those devils sitting on our shoulders, whispering in our ears and encouraging us to be a little less good!
6. ‘Goes Around, Comes Around’ the perfect karma for any relationship breakdown.
7. ‘A Song about Lunch’ this is a tongue in cheek, joyful track, again the guitar structure and technicality of the delivery belies the subject matter.
8. ‘Home’ is all about taking those chances and opportunities, “put your life on the line things might be different this time” . This showcases Andy’s vocal range and the harmonies from Max and Rab take it to a different level. This is the absolute standout track of the album for me, and I loved them all!
9. Is the hard hitting and lyrically poignant, ‘Too Scared to Live’, you could be forgiven for thinking this is actually Green Day – the sound and vocals are so reminiscent of that band, and it just goes to show how accomplished Skinny Knowledge are. I love it.
10. ‘I Hate That I Miss You’ now there’s a title that anyone who’s had their heart broken can relate to! This song is poignant and from the heart, again the harmonies totally lift it to a new level – superb.
11. I was pleased to see Heavy Metal Inter2de included – suspect this may become the signature way to close off an album. A pure masterclass that showcases the skills of the band.
To be clear, the ball of energy that has been unleashed on my ears and the stomping pace is just as palatable if you see them live, make no mistake, you will be in one for hell of a night!
This album may seem to some a rather cathartic outpouring, but it is personal and a highly impactful insight into changing circumstances, what truly stands out is the absolute high quality of this band and indeed how representative they are of the newer regeneration of rock bands, all of which are clamouring for the attention they so richly deserve. I hope Skinny Knowledge’s latest album gets all the air play and media attention it should – this is absolute class!
Five stars – album of the year contender. *****
Review by Karen Clayton
Following the release of the new album, they will be playing a hometown album release show party at The Anvil in Bournemouth with special guests Brighton based hard rocking pals Stone Angels, tickets on sale HERE.
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