THE SKINTS

Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff

Wed 3 Oct

★★★★★

words GEORGE FULLERTON

It has certainly taken longer than expected for The Skints to reach their current status as one of the finest live acts on the UK circuit, but following tours with the likes of You Me At Six and Less Than Jake, their resulting fanbase from these shows finally warrants the long awaited headline tour the band will have been dreaming of.

Openers Captain Accident & The Disasters have no problem in instantaneously converting the audience’s friendly vibes into a platform for their eclectic mix-up of ska and reggae. As the impressive openers mix up the tempo, main support act The Drop choose to exhibit what they do best; eight-piece dub reggae anthems which soothe away any midweek worries with their easy, accessible sounds. There is no doubt that this band are masters of their genre, as their hypnotic sound sustains the crowd’s attention and leaves the mounting capacity lapping up every offering.

In a typical fashion, just as you thought the night couldn’t be topped, The Skints make way onto the second night of their already mostly sold out headline tour, with a packed out venue screaming for their first offering. As soon as Mindless kicks in, the crowd are under their spell like an army of softly swaying reggae zombies. Bassist Jon Doyle orchestrates the crowd through his hypnotic side-to-side rocking, while he effortlessly supplies the hearty basslines which make up part of this quartet’s rich sound.

Their fusion of harmony-fuelled delicate reggae and upbeat rap-led ska manages to demonstrate just how in control they are, as even Parly B plays an integral part in the night, featuring on several tracks such as latest single Rise Up. This tour brings many special landmarks for The Skints, but most importantly; they have found a level which they suit best. There are no obvious egos in this band, just the same bewildering talent continuously building on their previous accomplishments. The Skints may just be the best UK band you’ll see this year.