Skindred - You Got This (Earache Records) 
Release Date: Out Now
The star of Skindred is definitely on the rise at the moment but this is no flash in the pan, overnight success story. 'You Got This' is the Welsh trio's ninth studio album and it might be the one that springboards their deserved leap into the mainstream. We kick off with the title track and straight away we're slammed with a wall of sound driven by the drums and grinding bass with Benji Webbe's distinctive vocal playing the role of lion tamer and preacher all in one. Infectious recent single 'Can I Get A' is up next and I defy anyone not to get an uplifting bop on to this track.
On 'Born Fe Dis' explodes with a rock energy that mixes the pomp of Nu-metal with Busta Rhymes inspired confidence and an intensity that will surely make this a live favourite. 'This Is The Sound' keeps up the energy and intensity with a snarling guitar riff and the kind of chorus vocals that demand you sing along while 'Broke' takes us down a gear or two with some reggae vibes coming to the fore through the horns and bubbling bass line. The ragga vibes continues on 'Glass' but with a rockier edge before 'Big Em Up' starts to crank the energy up again to get the party in full flow.
This is a great album for the summer with the high energy, positive vibes, and mix of rock, reggae, and rap giving you the perfect soundtrack for a road trip to your favourite festival. 'Do It Like This' is a great example of this vibe as the guitars and drums rock hard but the melodies are playful like Apache Indian fronting Limp Bizkit. Penultimate track and latest single 'My People' is a real call to arms for the alternative crowd but we finish the album on the appreciative affirmation of 'Give Thanks' that could find the band appearing on the One Show to garner some unsuspecting new fans who may not be ready for the rock that these guys can hit you with. Skindred have always been on the periphery of my musical vision but with this album they have definitely brought themselves front and centre so make sure you take a look too....and a listen, of course.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/skindredmusic/
Live Dates:
23rd April (1pm) – Vinyl Tap Records, Huddersfield (acoustic show)
23rd April (7pm) – Beckett SU, Leeds
27th June - Cardiff - Blackbird Festival
1st August - Manchester - Radar Festival
16th August - Winchester - Boomtown Festival
21st August - Ottery St Mary (Devon) - Beautiful Days Festival
24th October: Nottingham - Rock City
30th October: Birmingham - O2 Academy
31st October: London - Alexandra Palace
6th November: Dublin - 3Olympia
7th November: Belfast - Telegraph Building
13th November: Glasgow – Barrowlands