Gig Reviews: Skindred (supported by Fony, PDHM, Insaniac and D'Raven) The Agincourt, Camberley (22nd December 2002)

by Gordon Tebbutt

The first band to start the night was Draven. They are an enthusiastic band. That's about he best I have to say for them. While their set was entertaining, it always felt like there was something missing. Having said that, I like what I heard from a band in the early stages of their evolution, and I will keep my ears open to what they produce in the future.

PDHM were a whole different kettle of fish. The two lead singers rapped and screamed their way into the crowd's hearts. Camberley is obviously a fan of hardcore metal, or whatever label you choose to put on it. PDHM made the crowd bounce like I hadn't expected. Considering the number of people there, the crowd was as enthusiastic as I have seen in a long while.

The Fony boys were a bit pants. After seeing PDHM I was really in the mood to see someone that really cut the mustard. Fony weren't that. With a singer that really loved himself, and obviously a core of fans there that agreed, The rest of us were left gently nodding our heads to something that really didn't make us enthusiastic enough to do anything more. While they rocked, and they did rock, they didn't catch on with a crowd that wanted more than Fony had to offer.

Skindred kicked arse. That should be enough, but I feel that I need to justify that comment more. I had no idea of what to expect from Skindred. As it was, visually, they seemed to be a cross between Asian Dub Foundation (admittedly I haven't seen them for a good many years) and Rage Against The Machine. The sound however was fantastic. The crowd swung, punched and bounced their way through an electrifying set of metal, reggae induced metal and just plain hardcore hitting numbers. I can't be more enthusiastic about Skindred. Having not seen them before, they really know how to please a crowd. The over-all performance was fantastic with a lead singer that teased the crowd in an energising, head shaking, arms flailing performance.

I left the Agincourt with a big smile on my face. I only wish that they could have played longer. But then that's the sign of a great gig isn't it?