First Listen: Brooklyn’s “The Skins” Put the Soul Back in Rock

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    The death of rock has been declared so many times it’s hard to keep track of who most recently gave the genre its last rites.  And the death of rock with soul somewhere in its mix or inspiration has been declared each time Living Colour has either disbanded or gone on hiatus.  But, as they said when Charles the VII ascended the French throne, “the King is dead, long live the King.” 

    The death of rock has been declared so many times it’s hard to keep track of who most recently gave the genre its last rites.  And the death of rock with soul somewhere in its mix or inspiration has been declared each time Living Colour has either disbanded or gone on hiatus.  But, as they said when Charles the VII ascended the French throne, “the King is dead, long live the King.” 

    All hail The Skins, a new, swaggering soulful rock King from Brooklyn.   Fronted by Bayli McKeithan, as exciting a lead vocalist as has emerged in any genre in recent years, with her brother Reef on drums, sister Kaya on bass, and friends Daisy Spencer and Russell Chell on guitars, the band has been receiving considerable critical acclaim and winning fans at its live shows.  So much so that they caught the notice of the renowned Rick Rubin, who it is reported will produce their debut album.  Meanwhile, the band has been releasing singles on Bandcamp, the most recent of which, “Kiss Me,” is a tour de force highlighting the band’s power and ear for guitar hooks and memorable melodies.  You heard it here first, The Skins are coming, and they will rock you.  Get ready to play air guitar quietly in your rooms to this one.    

    By Robb Patryk​ 

    Follow The Skins here:  https://twitter.com/the_skins_