By Daniel Tsourekas
In this current modern landscape of metal music, diversity has slowly started to shine in every aspect, whether it be Spiritbox reaching new highs at Reading and Leeds or most notably Skindred recently winning a MOBO award for Best Alternative Act. The scene has begun to enter a golden era, and the latter arrived at Manchester Academy to double down and show why they wholeheartedly deserved their MOBO accolade.
With a fascinating lineup to begin with, the crowd are gearing up to dance, party, and forget about all their weekday problems, as AEU and P.O.D quickly set the atmosphere and energy straight off the bat. Punchy choruses, energetic riffs and performances throughout both of their sets signify a brilliant start to an unforgettable night, with fan favourites the likes of ‘Youth Of The Nation’, ‘Alive’, ‘Ultraviolet’ and ‘Flip Side’.
Despite the fantastic openers, the Academy shows its true capacity for the main stars of the show. The audience know they are in for a treat the minute charismatic frontman Benji Webbe makes his way on stage with a flag carrying the Skindred logo on a blacked-out Union Jack as the ‘Star Wars’ Imperial Death March is blasting through the speakers. That in itself is a picture worth painting.
And indeed, following this is a night of non-stop energy, comedic moments and heartfelt conversations, brilliant songs including ‘Pressure’, ‘Set Fazers’ and ‘That’s My Jam’ and an abundance of dancing.
The band’s crowd interaction is impeccable, they have been doing it for decades after all. Benji is a force to be reckoned with on stage in many ways, whether that be through signalling the crowd to sing Wonderwall with him before hilariously telling them to “shut the fuck up” with a smile on his face, or adding a cover of AC/DCs ‘Back In Black’ into their performance of ‘Pressure’.
There are so many layers and elements to their performance that ultimately make the crowd much more energetic. Alongside this, through a bittersweet life story, he motivates his listeners and his audience to never give up and push to do what they want within the arts industry and in general life. Musically it’s a given that they’re on point. Their experience is shown in full force here, everything is punchy, it sounds crisp, there’s many years of live touring backing up an amazing sound and stage presence.
There is much more to Skindred than just party music, it is a valid expression of freedom of speech, choice and personal growth. Each song performed made people dance, but also stood as a testament to what Benji and his band have created and pushed for within a scene that needs diversity and creativity, and just seeing the crowds reaction to songs like Gimme That Boom and Nobody give those well deserved flowers to Skindred years following the release of many of these tracks, and with performances like this, will be for years to come.
- Skindred headline Steelhouse festival on Saturday 27 July.
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