The Skints – FM
- Written by Jono Coote
The Skints have been on a solid mission since 2012’s Part & Parcel; touring pretty much constantly, playing with a variety of big names and gaining wider exposure through their cover of Katy B’s ‘On A Mission’. For a band who could technically be pigeonholed as playing ska and reggae, this should give you an idea of the enjoyment the East London four piece take from musical experimentation and the bending of genre rules, something very much in evidence throughout their new release FM. Upon first listen, FM is a continuation of the band’s evolution towards a mellower, soulful reggae vibe when compared to early recordings - the eleven tracks within, interspersed with skits based around a fictional pirate radio station and featuring guest appearances from Tippa Irie, Horseman and Rival, are approached at a laid back pace replete with the smooth harmonies we have come to expect from the group. However, a closer look reveals a subtle inclusion of a wide range of musical styles.
This is most obvious in the grimy sounds of ‘Eyes in the Back of my Head’ or their brilliant reggae reimagining of Black Flag’s ‘My War’, but also crops up unexpectedly with each new listen, like some kind of Easter egg hunt for music nerds. The sly nod to The Specials’ classic ‘Ghost Town’ halfway through ‘Friends & Business’, the move of Tippa Irie to the fore during ‘Tazer Beam’ and the outright summery pop vibes of ‘Got No Say’ all show a commendably wide range of influences. Thankfully this never hampers the album’s cohesion, pushed along as it is by semi-regular skits and always bringing said influences into the bubbling pot that is the wider Skints sound. A list of highlights has to start off with first single ‘This Town’, where an infectious dancehall beat underpins the three band members alongside Tippa and Horseman all taking vocal duties - a shoe in to be blasted at parties and BBQs all summer long. The aforementioned Black Flag cover joins the ranks of my favourite of the band’s songs, while the heavy dub of ‘The Forest for the Trees’ is as perfect an anti-racism song as you are likely to hear this year; a beautiful piece of reggae juxtaposed with a biting lyrical refutation of scabrous right wing propaganda.
Listening to FM I have to say thatit is great to see a band developing and growing into their sound, as well as getting some well-deserved recognition after years of relentless touring around the pubs, clubs and festivals of the UK. The album might be released this month, but will undoubtedly end up being the soundtrack to the summer.