LIVE FROM THE PIT: Skindred, As December Falls and Motions

Newport’s award-winning metal reggae rockers Skindred grace Hull’s Asylum with the first of their latest run of shows dubbed the ‘Smile (Again)’ tour. This 1000 capacity nightclub and live music venue has played host to the likes of Primal Scream, Enter Shikari, and Gary Numan. The band once again offer up their genre-traversing version of heavy metal and infectious energy for endorsement by another horde of thrilled and devoted fans.

Very likely a jaw dropping experience for those encountering this musical phenomenon for the first time. The band love to shine a light on new and emerging talent and of the many acts chosen to support them on this Autumns tour, tonight it’s the turn of Motions and As December Falls, both highly energetic and acting as fitting accompaniments, and both were thoroughly enjoyed.

First up, the Teesside metal outfit: Motions, fronted by Jonny Grant, delivered their heavy, dark and melodic brand of serious groove driven metal, enhanced by a well-balanced mix of strings, synth and female vocals. They rampaged through their set with angst-ridden vigour and did not disappoint.

Next up were the mighty As December Falls, from Nottingham with their refreshing brand of alt metal and pop punk, featuring the striking voice of lead singer Bethany Curtis, and rendering an altogether jauntier, less serious vibe with an impressive stage presence. They won Best UK Breakthrough Artist at the Heavy Music Awards in 2023 and it's very clear as to why.

Audience anticipation is high as the lights dim and the familiar strains of ‘The Imperial March’ from Star Wars, can be heard as the bands usual entrance music. They take

to the stage with flamboyant frontman Benji Webbe appearing last. As the roar of the crowd subsides, Webbe begins playfully whipping the crowd into a state of excitement with his rallying banter, accompanied by subdued, laid back guitar sounds distorted by a pedal effect. Webbe yells out a countdown, “1, 2… 1,2,3,4”, then suddenly, boom! A simultaneous burst of heavy cymbals, percussion, and piercing flickering bright light,

and the crowd begin jumping, head banging, and arm waving frantically as the sound of the band in full flow washes over them, many engaging in the time-honoured practice called the Newport helicopter, a ritual devised by Webbe and rolled out for the first time during their 2011 appearance at Download Festival. It involves removing your shirt, holding it aloft by one end and rapidly swinging it around, helicopter style. Webbe admits he wasn’t sure his idea would take off, but professes, “people loved it!”.

Webbe, forever the showman, engaged in multiple costume changes throughout the show and looked resplendent in his eccentric attire. To further enhance the theatrics, he gambols around the stage: hopping, skipping, and jumping, while frequently approaching the front to gesture and flex towards the crowd with hip hop style four finger salutes and the like, making sure he addresses the width and depth of the venue as he points.

The frontman’s impressive array of vocal techniques perfectly align with the many different styles of music performed. With their straight metal renditions, he either uses a Jamaican rap vocal style, or is equally adept at delivering an impressive well-rounded rock singing voice with vibrato. For a few seconds they played a dancehall style of reggae with Webbe effortlessly adopting a toasting style of vocal delivery. He stands out as a clever and accomplished vocal impersonator in his own right.

The mélange of genres proffered here blend together perfectly, and often mid song, adding a new dimension of aural intrigue and excitement to the more discerning ear. The electronic percussion and synths deployed when delivering ‘Hip Hop’ and ‘Dubstep’ styles with prominent sub bass used for earth shattering effect.

These constant ingenious style changes come naturally according to drummer Arya Goggin and pose no major challenges, they are assisted and guided by Webbe’s vocal style of the moment in helping the band slip into a particular playing style and rhythm. These are the

unique and endearing qualities that intrigue and fascinate the listener and help recruit new conscripts to their already healthy and exponentially rising fanbase.

Skindred's formula of style melding, affords them critical acclamation from diverse musical awards bodies, winning both Kerrang and MOBO awards, among others, for 'Devotion' and ‘Best Alternative Music Act’ respectively. A typically outstanding performance then from the inimitable Skindred, with the crowd left visually and aurally treated, wanting more, and very likely to return.

Words and Photos: Kieran Atkinson