East London’s The Skints released ‘Part & Parcel’ around a year ago. But now, with the sun blazing, the record’s earned a relatively early reissue.
Originally funded by fans, encouraged to donate to the band’s cause in exchange for perks like signed records, memorabilia and the like, now the set’s been blessed with a remastering to allow its tracks to really shine. Also included is a handful of previously unreleased numbers.
The Skints’ second studio set, ‘Part & Parcel’ mixes hip-hop, dub, ska and punk, around which a bittersweet narrative is woven: a tale of capital city life, seen through the eyes of a musically and lyrically formidable foursome.
‘Live East Die Young’ and ‘Soundboy’ both relate the all-too-familiar stories of dangers facing today’s youth: the oppressive system of underage drinking, drugs, gang violence and miseducation. All topics come marked by lyrical realism.
Elsewhere, traditional reggae rhythms comprise the backdrop for uplifting messages of love. ‘Sunny Sunny’ and ‘Ring Ring’ are beautifully crafted. On the latter, Marcia Richards’ sweet vocals stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those of Hollie Cook, daughter of Sex Pistol Paul Cook.
Produced by the masterful Prince Fatty, ‘Part & Parcel’ is not your archetypal urban record. It’s innovative, unique, and positions the band as torchbearers for modern British reggae music.
8/10
Words: David Aaron
– – –
– – –
Get the best of Clash on your iPhone – download the app here
