Skindred bringing the vibes with their new album, ‘You Got This’
Words: Helena Juric
Photos: Amy Smith
★★★★★
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Skindred are known to mix genres to create interesting sounds as well as experimenting with pushing boundaries of the conventional compositions. The back-story behind the upcoming ‘You Got This’ album is one of overcoming hard-ship and is very inspirational. To quote the press release “Benji is the loudest life coach you’ll ever meet!” There’s a real sense of unity within this album and you can really feel it in every song.
Photo: Amy Smith / Electric Bristol
Benji was raised in poverty by his older brother who was no more than a kid himself. “I want to empower people, to know that you can be what you want to be. Don’t spend your life worrying about what you haven’t got, live your life because now is the time,” says frontman, Benji.
Defiance is something the whole band share, in different ways. Skindred have worked hard to be where they are now and appreciate all the support they’ve received. Guitarist, Mikey says about this album “We imagined we were watching a movie trailer for weird ragga-metal cowboy western.” Drummer, Arya was so focused on making music that they never saw a plan B. It’s clear they’ve all been through tough times but a beautifully uplifting album has come out of it!
Beginning with the first track ‘You Got This’, I got a real sense of feel-good nostalgia. The synth really compliments the track, a great introduction to the album! The chorus is contagiously catchy, and I can sense it’ll be in my head for a while! Strong start to the album, looking forward to hearing more.
Second single ‘Can I Get A’ sounds more reggae and ska inspired, with a catchy hook on the chorus. I like that this track features guest vocals at the beginning, something I was not expecting.
The third track ‘Born Fe Dis’ has a totally different vibe, with hard-hitting vocals. I find the vocals interesting in this track as they vary in style throughout. The riffs really work well with the drum composition too. All round, a fantastic track. The “yee haws” brought out some head-banging from me! A truly distinctive and diverse song on the album.
‘This Is The Sound’ is the fourth track of the album and starts off with an almost tribal sounding introduction leading straight into the song with strong guitar licks! An extremely well written song – the type that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster.
The fifth track ‘Broke’ feels like my life! Such relatable lyrics! Think this one might be my favourite on the album. I’m sure a fair few people might be able to relate to this one.
The sixth track ‘Glass’ is a poignant song with soothing vocals that builds into scream-y vocals. What a mind-blowing song! Honestly, listening to this track felt like a real journey. Featuring a stunning piano outro that sent shivers down my spine, I had to take a few minutes after listening to this one. Benji says, “A lot of people who really empowered me have passed over. I know I’ve lost a piece of my heart but they’re going to be with me for eternity for the encouragement they’ve given me. I’m never going to lose that.” I feel you, Benji.
Next up is the seventh track ‘Big Em Up’ which starts with a glass-shattering sound which I felt was a good transition from the previous song. This song feels way more bouncy but with a heavy twist. I vibe with it!
Photo: Amy Smith / Electric Bristol
The eighth track ‘Do It Like This’ is a bop! Benji’s vocal range is super diverse in this song and there’s a lot of depth to this one.
The nineth track ‘My People’ features rap vocals and fast-paced energy. “This is a whole revolution!” sums it up well in one lyric line! An extremely empowering song.
The tenth track ‘Give Thanks’ starts off well funky with ska elements. “The vibes are nice, how it should be, just seeing you is good for me!” It’s all about family, community and I adore this track so so much! “Come and join me, on the sand and sea!” Thank you Skindred for this one, I was having a bit of a shit day until I heard this one. I know I said ‘Broke’ was my favourite but this speaks to me more, from a very different perspective. Thank you for helping me re-frame my mood and shift it to a better, more positive one!