The Skints have always been fiercely creative, and ‘FM’ is, on the surface at least, based around a day’s airplay at a fictional radio station. After a short ‘breakfast show’ link sets up the concept, its straight into ‘This Town’, a celebration of London that doesn’t gloss over the social issues that exist there. With guest vocals from Tippa Irie and Horseman and a smooth reggae bass-line that pulses underneath the upstroked guitars, it creates a brilliant atmosphere that lasts for the rest of the album.
Elements of punk and dub have always found their way into The Skints’ sound and the radio concept gives them the freedom to employ an even more varied approach than normal. ‘Eyes In The Back Of My Head (feat Rival)’ for example is a successful marriage of grime and the more expected reggae and ska influences. The Skints also completely reinvent ‘My War’ by Black Flag turning it into a laid-back and lilting reggae number that is as unexpected as it is brilliant.
When it comes to the production ‘FM’ is smoother than previous material, and the radio-friendly pop of ‘Come To You’ showcases Marcia Richards’ vocals in a song that could easily do very well for itself on genuine chart radio station playlists. ‘Where Did You Go?’ is filtered through a similar structure and is packed full of memorable harmonies whereas the ska-infused and uplifting ‘Got No Say’ puts the straightforward verse and chorus approach to excellent use. Although ‘FM’ may lack the rough around the edges feel of earlier material, The Skints still have something to say and their social conscience shines through lyrically on songs such as ‘Tazer Beam’ which tackles the perceived police vs society issue head on, and ‘The Forest For The Trees’ with its calls for equality.
The various radio interludes that crop up throughout the album help to reinforce the feeling that you’re tuned in and they’re reasonably effective at dividing the album up into different radio shows and the sort of songs you would expect to hear during the day and evening. However due mainly to their brevity their influence isn’t too far reaching and most of ‘FM’ is given over to the multi-genre tunes that The Skints do so well. Despite the switches in style there’s an effortless flow to the record that packs in countless different influences but never feels scatter-gun in its approach.That The Skints chose to put their twist on the somewhat unpopular notion of a concept album and have done so in a creative and brilliant way further cements their reputation as unique trailblazers.
CHRIS HILSON