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Skindred:  "I want  to see you motherfuckers going crazy"

"Are you ready my friends?"

Here's our interview with them

Benji immediately captivated us. And there we stayed - truly trapped by the disarming honesty, generous energy and total dedication that Skindred has to their audience. Oh and let’s not overlook that exquisite skill which has been honed and sharpened into the unique Skindred ragga punk metal sound that no one has managed to emulate. And they won’t either, for Skindred brings a raw cocktail of skill, wisdom, showmanship, humility, body beat, soul and pure music to us when they play. There is nothing that anyone can do – this band is inseparable form their sound and they live it, breathe it and are at one with it. This came out clearly in the set at the Garage.

“I'm gonna play rat race are you ready for this?”

There’s more: Benji’s humour and friendliness comes out on stage too. Plus, just as Benji’s easy conversational manner which entrances us all is loved by us all, so too is the mastery of Skindred’s musicianship on stage – their play is conversational in the way they interact with each other and the jagged rock is an earthy and satisfying  warm sound.

Skindred is a band completely together and dedicated -  they are at one in their unique sound and in this their mutual meshing is truly something special: it is a personal investment and contentment that we hear. Uplifting, ferocious, they  mean what they say and they don't need to ram it down our throats for the sincerity and completeness is heard in their music. Like their beat and rhythm everything comes from their soul and they are a friendly bunch. This comes across really strongly so their whole set is a joy.

"as long as Skindred’s on stage everyone's safe" – and we feel safe too.

Each member of Skindred showcases superlative showmanship and several times I was awed by the thrust of Arya’s drumming which boldly underpins the rhythmic truth in Skindred’s sound. All of Skindred give everything they've got - it's amazing

Benji’s rapport with his audience built and built – " I want  to see you motherfuckets going crazy" he is fantastic and charismatic with a crowd – his natural human touch even took up some matchmaking ,getting single guys and girls to put their hands up and suggested they should hook up!

The set moved towards its close – with Benji rightly saying: 

" There's nothing better than experiencing a fucking live rock n roll show … fuck labels play music ... This songs called the fear"

Ironically, Benji keeps thanking his audience and saying "we’re together". Really this is the wrong way round, Skindred we thank you for your genuine delight in delighting us and for a whole set filled with a pleasure and respect. 1000 per cent mutual.

Make sure you see Skindred live.

Benji Webbe: Vocals

Mikey Demus: Guitar

Dan Pugsley: Bass

Arya Goggin: Drums