SKINDRED “Volume” review (by Droll)

SKINDRED “Volume”
Napalm Records
In 2014 reggae-metallers Skindred blow up with their energetic Kill The Power. And here comes new album – Volume.
I want to say that despite all critics and reviewers diligence, main listener will do it much better and shorter. That’s what happened in case of Volume – the best review was written in one of YouTube comments, and it was one sentence: “My body is ready for this album”.
Yes, goddamned, that’s it! Because Skindred released great album, which cause you to move, want you or not. Once again they did it.
There’s one drawback for this band: it’s plenty uncomfortable to listen to them at home or in earphones. This music is for parties and live-concerts.
But back to the album.
Volume is full of energy and as catchy as previous album. With the only difference, there’s less electronic sounds and samples.
Benji Webbe still reveals a talent of great front man, singer, rapper and mc.
Catchy, powerful riffs by Mikeydemus and great deep bass by Dan Pugsley, in their merge, representing widest specter of music genres. It’s reggae, nu-metal and hard-rock-like solos. Separately I want to say about drummer Arya Goggin (yeah, I can see the smiles of “Game of Thrones” fans): his drum lines are brilliant. It can be a hip-hop beat, some metal parts and punk simple but fast rhythms. And sometimes they are changing one another during one song.
Back to the music: there are very catchy pieces of recitative in “Stand Up” и “Shut Your Mouth”. Interesting tracks “I”, “II” and “III”, like some kind of time-out between other songs, full of energy.
But honestly, it is not so trivial to describe Volume. Because if you turn on main song “Volume”, first track “Under Attack” or “The Healing”, you’re starting to move consensually.
Listeners that are unacquainted with Skindred may ask reasonable question: why those reggae-rappers-with-guitars on a metal site?
First of all it is not necessary to base only one style of music. Or like IT people say “to split horizons”.
Second of all, people that merges absolutely opposite styles and making great music are always worthy of respect.
And at last, Volume is really marvelous album that makes you jump, move and the most important, to smile.
So, smile, listen, move, dance, stay metal. Jha loves us.
Volume will be released in October, 30 at Napalm Records
Band’s FB
Label’s FB

(c) Droll (also dailymetal.com.ua)