Not resting on the laurels of ‘Soul Boy II’, London’s The Skinner Brothers have returned with their new EP ‘Lonedom’.
here is our track-by-track review:
Lonedon
Frontman Zac Skinner’s vocals should be iconic by now. On this latest offing, he has the gruffness of beans on Toast, the insolence of Jamie T but, crucially it’s his soul-boy persona that shines brightest. Theirs an air of the 80s wide boy donning the finest Fila jacket sipping G&T’s surveying the chancers who know better to cross him.
Despite the coolness of the record, their anxiety permeates throughout as our protagonist struggles to belong in London. The big smoke is a vibrant joyous place full of choices if you can afford it. For anyone slipping financially, mentally, or emotionally, it can be a pressure cooker waiting to blow. The Skinner brothers take those infectious laid-back licks of The Astors and the chilled bombast of Eddie Floyd for a walk along desolation row. The solo that blasts out twice takes the band to another level altogether. The Coral’s ‘Magic and Medicine’ unites with Miles Kane’s dreams of rock star status to conjure a perfect blend of isolation and toxicity.
The Mellow
It may lack the 100 overdubs but, it embodies Ashcroft’s sense of freedom on ‘Urban Hymns’. Spikey lyrics, stoner melodies, and escapist guitars unite to create bugged-out rock ‘n’ roll for the 4am finishers.
Loaded Gun
Jamie T’s guttural glory combines with a Fatboy Slim–esque riff. This is gloriously unhinged debauchery set to unite groups of mates on both triumphant and failed nights out for a generation. It has a raw sense of adventure destined to be a catalyst for another wave of bands.
Make It Count
The effortlessness of Peter Bjorn & John and Foster The People flirting with the lo-fi magic of Ian Brown’s unfinished Monkey Business.
The Skinner Brothers are on tour throughout October:
OCTOBER
1st - Manchester, Neighbourhood Festival
2nd - Blackpool, Bootleg Social
6th - London, O2 Academy Islington
9th - Guildford, The Boiler Room