Punk, ska, and funk misfits Fishbone will return to Boston this Sunday, May 3. I’m a big fan and I’ve already got my tickets, having missed them the last two times they passed through town. They’ve never disappointed me and always give a high-energy performance. They last released their “Intrinsically Intertwined” EP in 2014. Take a moment to catch up with the web video series; you’re only one episode behind. They’re co-headlining with reggae cover kings Easy Star All-Stars. They most recently released “Thrillah,” their 2012 salute to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” I last saw them a few years back when they toured with The Aggrolites. They performed a great blend of tunes from all of their cover records and I assume this show will be no different.
The real treat–and forgiving me for shirking the headliners here–is that The Skints are playing this date. The Skints have made a name for themselves in the UK scene but I believe this might be their first U.S. tour. They recently signed to Easy Star Records (home of, you guessed it, Easy Star All-Stars) and released their full-length record “FM” this past March. “FM” features the bands’ distinctive lyrical styles. Their previous records have showcased their love of reggae and hip hop. This album sees them refining their reggae skills. The perfect rhythms on this record have made it an early stand out for best record of 2015 in my mind.
“FM” salutes radio–real or romanticized–and is introduced and interrupted by DJ breaks. The first single “This Town” featuring Tippa Irie and Horseman nails the beat so hard I spent hours one night scouring YouTube, convinced it was an existing dancehall riddim. “Come To You” is light-hearted ska with lush harmonies, featuring vocalist Marcia Richards. “Friends and Business” is a nod to soul sounds, breaking up mostly roots reggae and stepper rhythms. Deep into the album, the rocksteady “Got No Say” opens with “my records are my best friend, my best friends are more like family” and hits me right in the guy. I haven’t stopped listening.
Watch music videos for two songs off The Skints’ “FM” below. They perform Sunday, May 3 at 6:30pm. Tickets are $25 with fees and the show is 18+.