Skindred just never do bad shows. In fact, they never do merely ‘good’ shows either, renowned as one of the UK’s best live bands that never fail to deliver the goods, not with a frontman like Benji Webbe directing the party. So it’s funny to see the que so reserved and gloomy as the dark clouds above outside, barely showing any anticipation. While Skindreds colourful mesh of sounds get them varied festival bookings from Bloodstock to Boomtown, tonight’s crowd are a mass of black t-shirts much more uniform than Skindreds music would suggest, though they have had a loyal metalhead following right from the start of their career.
Tonight’s support from DANKO JONES (6) and CKY (7) play great sets though they only raise the atmosphere slightly past lukewarm, with constant attempts for clap-alongs getting diminishing returns. The Danko Jones bands volume is too low to make their party-rock make the impact it deserves, though their set is saved from obscurity thanks to the charisma of Danko himself, cleverly engaging the audience to make the best use of their opportunity. CKY have a much fairer sound and are received well by a couple dozen fans, getting bodies moving but the music never quite gets to fifth gear.
When Skindred (9) finally grace the stage after a drawn out singlalong playlist, it’s disappointing that the new single ‘Big Tings’ opening the show goes flat across the audience, receiving only polite applause. Thankfully the bomb that was to go off wasn’t a dud, when Skindred rip right into the more established ‘Stand For Something’ the place explodes as if everyone collectively gave themselves permission to have a good time…from then it’s non-stop party with the crowd moshing and dancing in equal measure! ‘Pressure’, ‘Ninja’ and ‘Sound The Siren' get the floor shaking from everyone jumping in unison and another newie ‘That’s My Jam’ goes off as if it was a set-staple. Benji works the crowd effortlessly and introduces each song with inimitable personality, especially for the ballad ‘Saying It Now’. Stripped down to a lone acoustic guitar, the song impacts the crowd emotionally connecting thoughts of loved ones present. For the encore, the backdrop falls to reveal a massive‘Rock Roots Riot’ backdrop celebrating it’s 10th anniversary and the whole place levels over, ending the show with their signature ‘Newport Helicopter’ for ‘Warning’ that has everyone swinging their shirts in a sweat-hazed frenzy. On the stage, Skindred are in a league of their own and continue their reputation as an amazing night out, guaranteed.
- Michael Randall