Skindred

Roots Rock Riot

Bieler Records

(Skindred MySpace)

UK's Skindred may be a little heavier than most bands featured to date on The Pier, that is for sure. However, dancehall and positive vibes also play a major part in the band's incredible sound and when your follow-up album is as unbelievably great as Roots Rock Riot, Skindred deserves its time in the spotlight.

I remember catching Skindred's vocalist, Benji Webbe’s old band Dub War in a small dingy little venue in Australia. It was a Wednesday night or something like that, so there was only about 10 people in attendance. That didn't bother him or his band as they ripped through such a passionate and intense set, basically just for my friends and me (even stopping to chat with us between songs). To this day it was one of the most impressionable shows I have ever been to.

It is this fire and passion that Benji carries into Skindred, taking his original mish mash sound to a whole new level. Most songs these days reveal all that is to them by the time the 1st verse has come and gone. Not Skindred and this is part of the band's long lasting appeal. Each song will take you on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns, always keeping the listener on their toes. Just take a listen to Trouble, State of Emergency and Destroy the Dance Floor and you will see what I mean.

It may have been more than three years between albums for the band, but when there is such complexity and thought put into each song like Rude Boy For Life and the album’s title track, it is understandable and forgivable it took this long to craft.

Benji has to be one of the most versatile and talented vocalists today, taking his delivery cues from so many musical influences, dancehall, reggae, metal and more. This talent is also mirrored by all the band mates with each applying as much thought and creativity in their playing.

If you are into things a little heavier grab this as Root Rock Riot is a pretty flawless release.

Reviewed by Pilipo