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Alsharq Tribune- Gina Issa
The British alternative rock band Skunk Anansie, led by singer Skin, has reliably carved out a niche for itself since the 1990s, blending hard rock, grunge and metal elements.
With their new album "The Painful Truth" - their first in nine years - set to be released on Friday (May 23), the band remains loyal to their early fans while still managing to surprise.
'The Painful Truth' - a new sound?
With their new album, the band delivers a compelling statement of powerful, energetic sound, complemented by the signature falsetto voice of frontwoman Skin. Provocative songwriting rounds out the impression of a cohesive interplay of melodies and electronic sound elements.
Naturally, the band's straightforward lyrics also include political statements. The album's messages are clear: more tolerance for transgender people, fewer religious fundamentalists who endanger this minority, and a migration policy that connects the human with the worldly.
Skin, whose real name is Deborah Anne Dyer, sees the strength of her band in their individual roles and their songwriting. "I think that we have a different approach because when you've been crafting songs for 30 years, your technique is going to change.
It should change," she said. "The way that we do things or we did things in the 90s, for instance, you know, it's not the way that we would do things now." She highlights the album's opener, "An Artist is an Artist," as "a beautifully crafted song that sums up in a chorus what it's supposed to.
But the verses and the licks are very informative, cheeky, give you a good idea of where our heads at and who we are, you know, really tells you who we are as a band.
And, you know, there is a serious side to it.
" Must listen-to songs
The track "Cheers" is reminiscent of "Hedonism," the band's biggest hit from the 1990s, but surprises with its own gritty sound featuring grunge-like elements.
"Animal" impresses with its powerful and precise sound, paired with a striking allegory that every artist has a beast within. During the coronavirus pandemic, the band not only had to search for a new manager, but Skin also built a gym and a recording studio in her home to stay fit.
Skin, who has Jamaican roots, is pleased that King Charles III enjoys listening to Bob Marley and has included him in his favourite playlist alongside artists like Beyoncé and Kylie Minogue.
"The Painful Truth" fits harmoniously into the band's previous albums but surprises with tracks like "Cheers." It's perfect for long-time fans and those who enjoy powerful crossover sounds that are truly unique.
