[ArtistOTD] The Skints

Artist: The Skints

Genre: Reggae/Dub/Alternative 

Location: East London, England ,UK

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theskints

Twitter: http://twitter.com/theskints

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/theskintsuk

The Skints are a four-piece reggae band from East London and can also be described as ska, punk, dub, alternative, rock etc. The East Londoners showcase a wealth of talent, incorporating a vast array of instruments. As well as being a terrific singer, the multi-talented front woman Marcia Richards is equally comfortable playing a saxophone, a flute, a keyboard, an organ or even a melodica amongst other things. Complimenting Richards are the rock-steady reggae vocals of guitarist Josh Waters Rudge working in tandem with that of the sublime and soulful vocals of drummer Jamie Kyriakides and the tangy bass of Jonathan Doyle. 

The quartet had been a band, touring and writing for a couple of years before releasing the simply majestic debut album, Live.Breathe.Build.Believe. Short and sweet, the 10-track record (plus a hidden track) portrays a wonderful exhibition of classic reggae and ska-style riffs. Right the way from the phenomenal vibe given by Mindless via the outstanding Complications Of The Modern Rudeboy to the wonderfully poetic Roanna’s Song, this record is flawless! The hardcore mash-up integrating the saxophone in Complications Of The Modern Rudeboy is nothing short of spectacular, a real highlight of the record. Roanna’s Song is a really meaningful and emotional tune, and Mindless is the real curtain raiser, preparing the listener for a sign of things to come. The spine of the album comes in the form of the astutely named Culture Vulture as well as Murderer and Bright Girl. These three songs in particular show off the bands springy ska side where they feel most at home. Culture Vulture is all about sticking it to the ska purists who ignore the existence of the punk-ska fusion, and where Bright Girl is happy and upbeat, Murderer is quite the opposite, but just as graceful in its own way. Get Me presents a passionate challenge to the youth of British society and Change The Channel illustrates the bands diversity, integrating heavy dub beats as well as a flute! The band have progressed immensely from their initial EP from 2008 and this is illustrated by the masterful rework of Sociopath. This album can be described as a ska-punk or punk-ska album, but whatever the genre, it is supreme! After just one album, The Skints have already established themselves as one of the big-hitters in the UK reggae-punk scene.

After much anticipation following the first album, The Skints returned in late 2010 with a new single titled Up Against The Wall. This is not dissimilar to the material of the debut album in that when you listen you can’t help but want to move your feet and skank to the brilliant beats. You can check out this track below.

Up to this present day, The Skints continue to tour and write new stuff, and I’m sure there is a second album brewing on the horizon. Keep an eye out, they are definitely one to watch!

Matthew Evans