As part of their Record Shop Tour and to celebrate their latest album Skindred headed to Oxford. Earlier in the afternoon they’d been signing copies of their new album, and the lucky residents of Oxford were the first to get their hands on it and get it signed in person. It was then onto the O2 Academy on Cowley Road for the Launch Party.
Arimea is the support for Skindred’s sold out album launch show. They’re well known in Oxford already as they hail from just down the road in Wantage, so there’s no waiting around for the main act, the crowd are already on the barrier and filling the floor. It’s a popular choice as there’s plenty of energy in the crowd and they sing along from the start. Whitney does a sterling job and ploughs through a quick set of six songs, including the title track off their latest EP Orchid Street. Supporting the mighty Skindred might give some bands pause but not this band, even with the tight schedule on their set it’s a full powerhouse performance that showcases just how good they are.
It’s an album launch party and Skindred are here to party. Straight off from their remixed intro of the Imperial March and they’re into the first song off the new album, This Is The Sound. It’s the first of several songs off the album but it already sounds like it’s been part of the set for years. Don’t worry though, they’re not going to do a set full of new songs as they’re back on the classics with Set Fazers and Rat Race. Benji asks the crowd if they’re here to party and it’s a resounding yes from the floor. It’s back to the classics again with Benji clearly having fun with the crowd. There’s plenty of humour as he taunts the crowd between songs before we get another couple of new songs from the album, with title track You Got This and the super catchy Can I Get A with Kill The Power in between. The crowd has clearly warmed up by now and the crowd surfing has begun, and carries on right through Nobody. Security is ready for them and the surfing only stops for the mosh pit and the break for the encore. It’s not long before the fun starts up again with Gimme That Boom before Skindred’s own remembrance of Ozzy with War Pigs. It’s then time for the finale and everyone gets down on the floor for Warning before launching into the Newport Helicopter. With shirts whirling and the mosh pit going into a frenzy the show ends on a high. The crowd would be willing to carry on but unfortunately every gig has to finish at some time, but 10pm on a Friday seems early. At least everyone can continue on to the pub to remember what a great show they’ve just witnessed.
Review and Photos: Mark Bestford (Alienation Photography)
Arimea Gallery
Skindred Gallery
Crowd Gallery
