Thoughts of the Others by Skull – Album Review
By Victoria Holdsworth
Leeds band Skull are going from strength to strength. Known for their awesome live presence, this debut album doesn’t falter one bit. But can I actually call it an album? The whole package of the LP is almost like a drama set to music.
The lead singer Jonny has invented a much tormented character, and it is as though you are watching his story unfold with each song. Narration lends itself to the continuation of the story between the songs. It works fluently and doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb like other bands’ attempts at this over the years. But the most disturbing thing is that you are never quite certain if it is the thoughts of the character or the man, which lends even more to the ambience of the whole LP.
“Furious guitars”
Jonny’s vocal talents are emotionally evocative, and his lyric writing stands him apart, displaying a fine literary talent. This guy’s voice can put you through the ringer, from fear, anger, disparity, release and euphoria, all mixed against a background of furious guitars and ground-out thunderous drum beats.
It’s certainly an album any decent metal fan cannot ignore.
Although they have not been around on the scene as Skull for that long of a time, the level of musicianship is outstanding and they have carried forward the force and passion from their previous work. One of the outstanding tracks on the album, and also their debut single is ‘RPM’, which has hypnotic guitar hooks from Ben, darkly delectable vocals and roaring drum fills from Mark.
“Intensity”
‘Lightswitch’ and ‘Yellow King’ are monumental tunes that will grab your attention with climatic build-ups which threaten to explode throughout every fibre of the songs. I do not think it will be too long before Skull rise through the ranks and start taking over headline spots.
The rollercoaster tracks really work, and the tempo changes kind of lull you into false senses of security. Then, they grab you by the scruff of the neck again and drag you back to the mosh pit. The intensity of the band will carry you along on a wave of bouncing bass rhythms and slamming guitar and drum sounds.
A fantastic debut album that looks set to transform and unify a scene which has been lacking quite a bit of oomph recently.
8/10
