The Skints are a four-piece reggae band from London, described by Clash Music as “the torchbearers for modern British reggae music.” Describing their own sound as “music from Jamaica in a London style,” The Skints mix reggae, ska and dub with touches of grime and hip-hop; a contemporary style that draws as much from the streets of the UK’s capital as it does from the Caribbean. Playing hundreds of shows since 2007, The Skints have had a steady rise from the UK underground, bringing their own rays of sunshine to festivals over Europe and beyond, with even The Guardian confirming that The Skints “brought the house down” at 2014’s Reading Festival.
The Skints’ newest album, FM, comes out via Easy Star Records March 9, 2015, and is their strongest to date, showing continued development in their songwriting, musicianship, studio prowess, and ideas. The record is a concept album that pays homage to their love of radio, how it shaped their musical knowledge and helped keep reggae music in all its forms alive through the years. Mixing in bits from a fictional radio station (103.Skints / Frequency Murderation) with songs that range from heavy roots reggae to Motown/ska hybrids to ragga/dancehall to rocksteady to grime, the record shows off the many facets of the band’s musical personality in a seamless, coherent flow. Produced once again with British reggae vanguard Prince Fatty (Hollie Cook, Lily Allen) at the controls, it includes guest spots by Tippa Irie, Horseman, grime MC Rival, and even a surprise appearance by comedian Rufus Hound.