Black Star Riders
‘I’m living a life that’s free without your constant complications’.
So, on the release of their last album, I found myself skulking outside the Skindred tour bus that had trundled into town. I waited, hoping to catch a glimpse of these lads when drummer Arya walked by, happy to chat and sign my CD’s and then Benji Webbe stepped off the bus, stretched in the sunshine and joined in the impromptu signing ambush. I took out my phone to get a photo and the wretched thing died on me, grrr, Benji thought it was dead funny, I could’ve cried but that’s life.
Today I bring you their eighth album called ‘Smile’ and you know I think it’s time we all did, there’s been too much to mull and mither over, so grin and show off those pearly whites my friends. The video that accompanies the single ‘Gimme That Boom’ is so uplifting, full of life and love, the band giving it their all, swinging and swaying, bringing joy to us all.
‘L.O.V.E.’ is so wholesome with the puppetry giving Sesame Street vibes, colourful and radiant, you’ll find hope and hugs a-plenty.
The cooling, soothing reggae sonic sensations are lavishly afforded in ‘This Appointed Love’ it showcases the diversity, the eclectic mix of sounds and styles that are inspiring and innovative, boundaries are crushed, barriers are torn down, so we can open our arms, our hearts and our minds to a more positive and inclusive adventure. Channel your inner Bob Marley and swear your allegiance to the one drop, those soulful beats, etching your skin, deftly peeling back the layers and assuming their rightful place in your being.
Skindred have always been champions for equality and justice, big voices saying big tings, with a shimmy and a smile it’s time to delete, erase and eradicate all the bluster and bleakness, and make way for a better future.
They are the perfect cross over band, ‘Dreds dem back with a boom, boom, boom, and we are here to party on with our brothers from another mother. Politics is in everything we do, you can’t escape it but you can make it a bit more palatable when you get tunes like ‘Black Stars’ and ‘State Of The Union’ engaging and committed to journey on the long road out of this hellscape.
We get an ode to all the mums out there in ‘Mama’ who selflessly strive for their families, humble and dignified in their endeavours. After 25 years in the business, these fellas continue to bring harmony and happiness, dig deep my friends, and get your groove on, this raggamuffin Barbie, bedecked in pink is here to steal you away from whatever ails you.
Smile, though your heart is breaking…….
Azra Pathan
Skindred – Smile out 4th August via Earache Records.