The UK's most beloved set of dynamic outcasts Skunk Anansie have been causing alternative rock chaos with layers of art, showmanship and social commentary all over the world for almost 22 years. They're a true one-off with sound and image, so much so that they unexpectedly rocketed to success, even headlining Glastonbury 1999.
Many bands of their generation diminished over the years, yet Skunk Anansie understand how to keep their demand high and their fans wanting more. Tonight being only their second electric show in three years. They are still a must-see spectacle.
The sold out crowd understand that tonight isn't about reminiscing or nostalgia, as the band showcase the majority of their new album Anarchytechture. Sadly, these new cuts fail to get much recognition in the live setting. Tracks like 'Death to the Lovers' and 'That Sinking Feeling' fail to ignite the crowd. This also results in them missing out vital songs from their back catalogue, making the set feel somewhat incomplete.
Yet when they do jump into classics such as 'Charlie Big Potato' and 'Hedonism', the atmosphere reaches fever pitch. Richard Lewis' bass riffs are guttural while the statuesque singer Skin has an enthralling stage presence with impeccable timing. When she leads the band into 'Weak', she does everything to display the band's ethos of strength and unity, standing above the audience working together to keep her balanced as she perfectly hits every huge note of the song.
Ending on the still politically apt 'Little Baby Swastikkka', Skin finishes her point of being one of the most inclusive and down to earth front-women on the circuit, enjoying the last moments of a gratifying set in the middle of the room. Even with their newer material failing to win hearts tonight, by their sheer charisma, musicianship and graft, there's no doubt they will continue to be one of the most must-see rock bands that Britain can boast of.
Skunk Anansie played:
Tear the Place Up
I Believed in You
That Sinking Feeling
Because of You
God Loves Only You
Death to the Lovers
Bullets
Twisted (Everyday Hurts)
My Ugly Boy
Weak
Love Someone Else
In the Back Room
Without You
Beauty Is Your Curse
I Can Dream
I Will Break You
Charlie Big Potato
Encore: 100 Ways to Be a Good Girl
Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good)
Suckers!
Little Baby Swastikkka
