OneMetal.com REVIEW:
SKINDRED: ‘SHARK BITES AND DOG FIGHTS’

Infectious tunes and an innovative mix of genres; the gritty ragga metallers are back with a fresh sound lead vocalist Benji Webbe is calling “Pure power”.

After an extensive five-year gap between the Welsh four piece’s last two albums, “Shark Bites and Dog Fights” definitely secures Skindred’s place as one of the UK’s most exciting bands. Produced by Matt Laplant (producer of Skindred’s previous album “Roots Rock Riot”) we experience a new take on Skindred, mixing more electric sounds with their familiar metallic riffing and even throwing in a cover of “Electric Avenue” for good measure.

Although the album only consists of eight tracks, the majority of which are under four minutes, the caliber of this album enables us to look beyond this minor flaw. With tracks that cover a range of different moods; from heartfelt and ferocious riffs in “Stand for Something” to a more solemn, soft reggae sound in “Who are you?” this album definitely does not shy away from experimenting with styles unfamiliar to Skindred’s earlier works. This progression in style has meant some disappointing feedback from followers who prefer the heavier sounds of “Babylon”, created in 2004, but why should their new album simply recycle techniques from the former Skindred?

As briefly mentioned, my favourite track has got to be “Stand for Something”. The way this stirring track opens, ignites and inspires the album, combining all the essential Skindred elements. It establishes a raw metal guitar layered with piercing electric riffs and then the thirsty, aggressive vocals of Webbe, what better way to launch the album?

Another notorious track on the album is the reggae-metal twist on Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue”. An unforeseen and surprising cover despite the group’s rock and punk influences. Admittedly this did take a few plays before I could appreciate the quality of this cover. When first listening to the track it was awkward to hear how Skindred had personalized this popular song. However, the more I listened, the more I could appreciate this successful cover, which is most definitely transformed by a thickset undercurrent of bass and heavy effective layering of vocals.

Bottom Line

So it could be a little shorter than I had hoped and they may deviate from their predictable and past style; but I think this album marks a new and far more motivating turn for Skindred. Launched at the end of September 2009 to coincide with Skindred’s UK tour, I would recommend this band. When the gripping lyrics and strong driving melodies collide with an energized audience, the sheer power and verve from this new work will excite.