CD Newport’s reggae-metal soundsystem Skindred were already renowned as an exhilarating live band, but 2023’s ‘Smile’ album changed the game. It shot to #2 in the UK charts, followed by a packed headline show at Wembley Arena, and led them to become proud winners of Best Alternative Act at the MOBO Awards. But how can you possibly top that? For Skindred and the upcoming ‘You Got This’ album, the answer was simple. You come out fighting with a lean, all-killer-no-filler set that distils everything that people love about them - hard-hitting slammers, mega addictive hooks, earwormy soundclash elements, and dancehall vibes destined to ignite festivals and live shows across the globe. And in Benji Webbe, they have the ultimate frontman — a man whose wild enthusiasm is instantly contagious, delivering the album’s other great strength: an adrenaline shot of pure motivation. His phenomenally powerful vocals are balanced with lighter, melodic moments of emotion that champion self-belief, resilience, and finding joy in the small things that make life worth living – he’s the loudest life coach you’ll ever meet. So, for Skindred, the ‘Smile’ wave of discovery was just the start of more adventures to follow. Where it takes them is yet to be written, but one thing is certain: they got this.
