Tonight is part of a victory lap tour for Skindred that’s been taking in some of the less worn venues of the UK and features the cream of the British up-and-coming bands as supports. This is such a Skindred thing to do; they are the people’s champions. Skindred never forget to invite everyone to their party, even if you’re in a chilly seaside town that’s out of season. Tonight, we are at the beautiful Scarborough Spa, one of the nicest venues we’ve been lucky enough to visit in this Fair Isle. Dancing shoes are packed, let’s go!
Graphic Nature
Kicking off tonight, we are in tune with the sound of the 404 (WUT?) Graphic Nature don’t do bad shows; we’ve been lucky enough to witness this band a few times now, and tracks like Killing Floor and Human never fail as the band continue to literally stomp their hooded assault all over any venue that can withstand their savvy clash of electronica augmented hardcore metal. The boys see us out with an incendiary Fractured and when frontman Harvey dedicates it “to all the Neuro divergent mother fuckers!” We may have punched the air a bit. They leave with a still spotless record for kicking our arse.
As December Falls
As December Falls are a real burst of energy exploding with youthful exuberance and sweet melody, they can turn on the heavy when they want to. Guitar led bubblegum pop leads the charge, and this band could easily be from California instead of their native Nottingham. Every member is jam-packed with charisma, and their stagecraft is undeniable. Singer Bethany Curtis boasts an excellent note-perfect performance, and every member of this troupe is grinning like Cheshire Cats from the get-go. They have many fans in attendance and appear to have the time of their lives. Mass sing-alongs and happy vibes ensure this crowd are well and truly warmed the fuck up. They Ride in on, Join The Club and exit on a Carousel with a circle pit to match. Great fun from a band with hits for days.
Skindred
Set Fazers is both the opening song and a statement of intent as Skindred explodes like a joy bomb onto the Scarborough Spa stage. From here, it’s just Banger Central, Doom Riff, Ratrace, and That’s My Jam follow, and we’ve only just started. Watching Skindred headline is the only way to see them, although I defy even the most miserable metalhead not to be won over when they support or hit a festival. Tonight is their party, though, and their record box is full of dancefloor and moshpit gold. The original UK crossover kings, many try but honestly no one does it better as the band always remind you on their exit. The exit is far away, though; we could dance all night. L.O.V.E (Smile Please) and This Appointed Love bring the dub and reggae vibes mid-set, and the sight of card-carrying metallers doing a “Dutty Wine” never stops being a joy to witness. Kill The Power, well, it kills innit! Complete with an Outta Space Prodigy interlude that gets us all throwing shapes.
As is tradition, Nobody is the definitive moshpit anthem and climaxes, and a few punters by the looks of it, when the new DnB remixed ending drops! Choosing highlights would be a case of just listing the set in order. No let up, no mercy, all unity, all good vibes and the best party you’ll ever go to. They segue into Gimme That Boom and straight up tear the roof off! The energy in here makes any rave look weak in comparison; this is raw power and groove in perfect harmony.
Then they walk off until the traditional Yorkshire chants from the baying impatient crowd bring them back for that all-important encore. Everyone here who brought an extra item of clothing breathes a sigh of relief. Skindred’s cover of Eddie Grant’s Electric Avenue makes a surprise airing.
You know how we really end this evening, and Warning simply feels like it will level this beautiful building! Especially when the best stage trick of all time, “The Newport Helicopter,” ensures no one in this building is left unsatisfied.
Review & Photography By George Miller – https://www.facebook.com/oneflamemedia
Subscribe to DeVlog – The Video Home Of Devolution Magazine – https://www.youtube.com/@devolutionmagazine
Graphic Nature
As December Falls
Skindred
