:: Skindred - Shark Bites And Dog Fights

Skindred

Although it’s been a long two years since their last release (2007’s positively received ‘Roots Rock Riot’), Welsh based reggae/metal act Skindred aren’t in any hurry to release a new full-length release - not until they’re absolutely ready to do so. But while there’s often a timely gap between albums for the four-piece act, they haven’t left fans completely empty handed, with their latest EP release ‘Shark Bites And Dog Fights’ providing a bit of a stop-gap between lengthy hiatuses between studio visits. Starting out with a very Queens Of The Stone Age-like guitar riff, the first single/promotional video clip ‘Stand For Something’ is a fist-pumping anthem that recalls the band’s aggressive sound heard throughout their debut offering. Traces of keyboards and electronic effects are evident throughout the track, but it doesn’t by any means take away from Demus’ raw and heavy riffs and Webbe’s energetic screamed/melodic vocal efforts. The follow-up track ‘You Can’t Stop It’ is typically Skindred-like, with the band fusing together influences of both reggae and metal in equal measure, with Webbe’s performance in particular a stand-out throughout the hard rocking tune. Released earlier in the year as a digital single, the band’s cover of Eddy Grant’s classic ‘Electric Avenue’ is an interesting reworking, and seemingly a custom fit for the band. Skindred remain pretty faithful to the original for the most part, with only some electronic/keyboard influences thrown in throughout the choruses to make it a little more radio friendly. But having said that, the song still rocks heavy enough to please long time fans of the band. Speaking of a pop edge, ‘Corrupted’ is by far the band’s most daring attempt at a track that reins back the heavy guitars, with Webbe utilising his clean vocals throughout the entire song. Although it’s not the most memorable of Skindred songs, it’s solid and enjoyable for what it is. ‘Calling All Stations’ sees a return to the band’s aggressive side with good results, while ‘Days Like These’ sits somewhere comfortably between melodic rock and Skindred’s trademark manic reggae/metal sound. ‘Who Are You?’ is an interesting departure, with the band fully immersing themselves in the dub-reggae sound. The gentle flow of the song is a nice breather for the EP, but unfortunately the chorus doesn’t distinguish itself enough within the song to really make the impact it could possibly have done if it had been worked on further. Finishing up the album is ‘Invincible’, which again follows in the same eclectic manner as the first couple of tracks on the EP. Although a couple of songs don’t work as well as others, and generally being a little on the short side of things, ‘Shark Bites And Dog Fights’ is a well rounded effort for the genre defying band, and one that’s sure to please those already converted to the band’s unusual sound.