SKINDRED
You Got This (Earache)
In 2023, Newport’s Skindred finally broke into the mainstream consciousness, with their album Smile coming in at number two in the charts. This followup definitely has an eye on more of the same, and it’s all the better for it.
An even stronger album than its predecessor, You Got This is like a Skindred best-of compilation, showing off their repertoire from dancehall grooves to gnarly reggae, biting metal and jangly acoustic gems worthy of Bruno Mars. Frontman Benji Webbe proves that there is nothing he can’t do vocally, skipping easily from Jamaican patois to bright, high clean melodies and deep dub growls.
Tracks like Can I Get A have the sort of crossover rock/modern country chorus that bands both sides of the Atlantic would give their second guitarist for; This Is The Sound is Rage Against The Machine if they knew how to have fun. And it is a lot of infectious, irresistible fun listening to Skindred hit these highs in their truly unique style.
words JOHN-PAUL DAVIES
