Right now, there is a conversation happening between two music snobs smoking gooseneck pipes:
“Hip hop, reggae, metal and dubstep, you say?”
“Yup”
“A muddled mess of sound, I assume.”
“Nope.”
“Very interesting… So you say this is a good combination?”
“You wouldn’t necessarily think so, but, yea. Its pretty bitchin’.”
These two music aficionados are speaking about Skindred and their unique and amazing ability to blend what has escaped the capacity of most music promoters– bringing the rival elements of four counterproductive music together. It’s true that dubstep has been blended with reggae, hip hop and metal, that metal has been blended with elements of hip hop and, of course, hip hop messes nicely with some reggae. But all together? How did this ever happen?
While their beginning seems a bit of a puzzle, the story goes: From Britain, Skindred originally came together in 1998, though founding members formed Dub War in 1993. Dub War dealt with issues between themselves and the label representing them. The band had no choice but to disband. After their reunion in 1998, it took them four years to build and compile new music for their first album as Skindred, Babylon, in 2002.
Skindred then saw their fans grow in numbers. The band has set themselves apart from most commercial, arena worthy groups on either side of the pond. It’s difficult to put into words the elaborate listening experience a band like Skindred and Kill the Power are, but we’ll do our best!
Kill the Power is a monster of an album. Period.
With songs like “Open Eyed,” “Ruling Force” and “Playing with The Devil,” it is clear from the production value of the unique sound that Skindred has their eye and skills set for higher ground and levels. “We Live for Love” is an absolute radio must; it has the perfect mathematics for large audiences. In terms of their alternative forms of audio delivery, “Worlds on Fire” is absolutely a reggae song with some heavy elements added to it. Some ska is presented in “More Fire.”
The title “Ninja” might bring one back to some cleverly situated soundtrack, when songs were made to accompany or push new movies. Thoughts of a new Mortal Kombat or Samurai Jack soundtrack might kick around in any fan’s head. If any track were to be picked from the full track listing, it would be “The Kids Are Right Now.” Visual imagery would only better the lyrical impressions composed in the melody.
“Saturday” has a Blink-182 reminder of the yesteryear, with a bit of a Green Day approach. Then the band brings it back to hardcore with “Proceed With Caution”.
There are two bonus tracks: “All Fall Down,” which continues some upbeat ska and rock and “Ghetto Long Time,” pressing on with a reminisce of a metal reggae remix. The trick with an album like Kill the Power is you have to want an eclectic taste in music. With this single release, you can!
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