Forming way back in 1998, Skindred have since become well-established titans of the genre, releasing a succession of critically-acclaimed records and cementing their exhilarating live show as a staple of the festival scene around the world. Returning today after their 2018 effort Big Tings, the Newport four-piece bring their one-of-a-kind genre-fusing sound back with the aptly titled first peek at next year's full-length Smile, 'GIMME THAT BOOM'.
The track wastes no time getting going, launching head-first from the off into an undeniably catchy chorus with frontman Benji Webbe's unmistakable ragga rasp underpinned by Mikey Demus' lively riffing, slightly reminiscent of the heyday of nu-metal but with plenty enough groove and swagger to bring it firmly into 2022, and become an instant hit in the heavy world at that.
There's all the color and playfulness that we've come to expect from Skindred over the years, a massive hook of "turn around stupid" that will have a crowd rabid from the second the song kicks in in their live set, and a bridge that risks giving listeners a good neck injury from going too hard with its irresistible fervor. All this energy and more is reflected in the track's eye-catching music video, which sees the guys having the time of their life exploring a luminous warehouse and making themselves right at home. There's not too many metal bands that could get away with a visual so striking and buoyant as this, but Skindred are as unique as they come, and nothing could fit them better.
Watch the Knotfest premiere of 'GIMME THAT BOOM' below.
With hits like 'Nobody', 'That's My Jam' and 'Warning' among a slew of other massive tracks in their back catalogue, Skindred have always known how to pen a hit - something that will get fans uncontrollably hyped at a show, in a field, or even in their bedroom - and 'GIMME THAT BOOM' proves that as true as ever -
It’s the ultimate ragga-rocking, dancehall-shaking, dutty-winding, head-banging, horn-waving creation… yes party people the ’Dreds dem back!
Benji Webbe, Skindred
A song so inescapably catchy has us stoked to hear what Skindred have cooked up on their new full-length, Smile, which you can pre-order below now. If there's one thing for certain, this first taste of the record is proof that Skindred are still a band full to the brim with excitement, ingenuity, and positivity.
Smile is released on Friday 4th August 2023 through Earache Records.
