It is a source of some wonder to me that Skunk Anansie are not a much bigger band than they are, they have every ingredient necessary, charismatic front person with a fantastic voice, tight rhythm section, glorious guitar work, brilliant songs.
Is it their overt politicism? I really hope not. But one thing is for sure, not enough of the British music buying public seem to get just how brilliant this band are.
It was with a mix of anticipation and anxiety that I headed down to the O2 in Glasgow for Skunks’ gig on the 26th of April. Would they still have it after 2 years of enforced absence from the stage? Would Skin still know how to play an audience like a fiddle? Would it be as full on a rock experience as it had been in the past?
The answer would have to wait, I missed the first support act due to work commitments but was lucky enough to see the main support at, a band I think we’re all going to hear a lot more of due to their blistering live performance and all round attitude (plus they can play) Gen and the Degenerates. Gen is one of those people blessed with stage presence, it was hard to take your eyes off her throughout the performance. The band were tight and I suspect they will start to develop a very large and loyal following, especially if their next tour is as promised at this gig.
Finally it was time for Skunk, the answer to all three questions above was very much in the affirmative, the band strode out one by one to the acclaim of the audience leaving Skin until last, she sauntered onto the stage wearing massive multiple horns, the rock devil was here to play, launching into Yes it’s fucking political, Skunks’ full on assault on our senses, our minds and our hearts was underway (the song is still stuck in my head two days later!).
They are quite simply a brilliant band live, Skin didn’t let microphone problems early on in the show phase her and also quite early on decided that the mosh pit wasn’t meeting her standards, stopping the gig to berate those involved, giving them clear instructions and then launch a frenzy, coming back again and again throughout the night to that self-same mosh pit to test their limits.
A real surprise was how early in the set they played one of their better known songs, Weak, but when they did they proved their versatility, their sheer emotional power and their all-round ability to turn their hand to whatever they want.
Slowly but surely, via personal revelations, political musings and one of the best live performances they have seen in a long time they won over any doubters there may have been in the audience, although I suspect there were none to start with and everyone who was there was a committed fan.
I haven’t enjoyed a live show more in a very long time, from playing new material (which stood up well against their better known songs) through to a great cover version, this was the epitome of what a great live band should be. If only more gigs were like this one……
I know this tour is pretty much done but if they play any festivals this summer make sure you go see them, if not please don’t let it be so long before they are on the road again.
Words: Ian McClay
Pictures: Calum Buchan @calumbuchan_