The Skints returned to New Slang for the seventh time for the launch of their new album, FM.

With no support acts, the night was dedicated to celebrating the release of their third studio album, with DJs spinning dub-reggae anthems before The Skints took to the stage to perform FM in it’s entirety. Although the stage was minimal, with the absence of Tippa Irie and Horseman who guest-feature on the album, no impact was lost from its concept, in which a pirate radio station spins reggae and grime hits on the hottest day on record. Rather than confuse the crowd with sound-bites of the radio station, the album was explained to us in between gushing speeches at how grateful they were to their fans.

With the album being full of dancehall reggae vibes, the crowd was rippling with excitable energy which gave the vibe of a party rather than a gig. The Skints’ ability to multi-task is one of the many aspects which make them stand out as a band. Joshua, Jamie and Marcia shared out vocals between them, while taking care of drums, guitar, keys and flute, which made me wonder how they make it all seem so effortless. FM is a new route for The Skints, and rather than jump around madly to heavy, punk riffs in previous shows, the crowd were bopping to reggae and grime beats while being constantly thanked just for being there.

Although the new avenue that The Skints have taken was tremendously received, they still treated the crowd to classic hits such as ‘Rise Up’, ‘Ratatat’ and ‘Culture Vulture’, which reminded everyone where it had all began before they embark on the headline shows and festivals which lay ahead in 2015.

Nicky Lee-Delisle 

@ManicNicky