The Skints, O2 Academy, Birmingham - review

The four-piece band is a shining example of what can be achieved when talent and a solid community of musicians work together, which was quite evident at a packed out O2 Academy in Birmingham.

Since their debut EP, released in 2008 on legendary ska label Do the Dog Music, the Skints have since produced four albums including the critically-acclaimed ‘FM' which reached number 5 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and number 7 on the UK Independent Albums Chart.

Their latest offering 'Swimming Lessons' lends its moniker to their current tour which has seen the band spread its infectious reggae vibes across the globe.

From the outset the Skints performed a tried and tested reggae groove, laid down by their forebears.

It would be hard not to appreciate their almost clinical performance which could be mistaken as a recording, perhaps the result of exhaustively touring and at one point playing a gig every other day for three years.

The mix engineer must have been learning from Prince Fatty, a seminal dub producer who has been instrumental in forging the London sound which The Skints are Part and Parcel of. It's hard not to appreciate talent like that.

It felt like The Skints were playing it safe for their performance last night in Birmingham.

It seemed that perhaps they were attempting to make an impression musically as opposed to owning the stage.

Guitarist Rudge's admission of how long it was since their last gig in the city even tipped an apologetic hat to that fact.

Despite this, it is easy to see why The Skints continue to attract an adoring fanbase.

Each song hits all the right notes and ticks all the boxes you would expect from their well established style.

There is enough of a modern twist to their interpretation of such a perennial genre that it sounds fresh.

And the vocals are impressive - lead singer/drummer Jamie Kyriakides brings the soul to the party and Marcia Richards the fun.

But with the main vocalist hidden at the back of the stage a certain presence is lacking, and perhaps a sense of disconnect for those audience members craning their necks at the back of venue.