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By JEFF MAKI
Fronted by crazed, dreadlocked and fairly well-known frontman Benji Webbe, formerly of Dub War, Skindred established itself with their 2002 debut, Babylon. Benji previously had mild succes with Dub War and also did backing vocals on Soulfly's debut. But Skindred quickly became popular, spawning the radio hit "Nobody" and live anthem "Set It Off." Just when many thought nu-metal and rap-rock were all but dead, Skindred came out with a style dubbed “ragga-metal,” which combines elements of reggae, metal, rock and punk into one hell of a party-rock sound. Fuzzy, downtuned guitars back Benji's reggae-style vocals, meshed with enough aggression to get the adrenaline pumping. If you weren't a fan of Babylon, Roots Rock Riot will do little if anything to change your opinion of the band.
Sticking to the familiar formula, Skindred knocks out ragga-metal anthems like “State of Emergency,” the likely live staple “Destroy the Dancefloor” and a few mellower grooves, such as “Rude Boy for Life.” Say what you want, but Benji is a great frontman and he alone gives Skindred its identity; you hear this shit and you know for sure it's Skindred. He sounds like a reggae artist on speed. But he also reaches down for that toasting reggae vocal that makes you feel like you're at a beach party on a tropical island without a worry in the world. Sure, at times he sounds like Shaggy singing over metallic riffs (come on now, who doesn't know “Mr. Bombastic”?). But what's wrong with that? No one else is doing it, at least not as cohesively and memorably as this four-piece.
If anything is different on Roots Rock Riot, it is a heightened emphasis on songs and melody, rather than simply relying on driving grooves and rhythms. The vocals also feature more singing than aggression. Dare I say this album may be a bit more tame than its predecessor. If you're only into death and black metal and have a vile hatred toward radio-friendly rock, then by all means, stay away. But when did metal and rock become so serious? Why are we all so close-minded? Regardless of what your “cool” friends or media say, IT IS OK to like both Cannibal Corpse and Skindred. Hell, I do. This band is doing something unique and seems to be having a lot of fun doing it. What's wrong with having a little fun with ragga-metal?
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