Skunk Anansie

The Painful Truth

FLG Records

Out May 23!

Authentic all the way through to its core, ‘The Painful Truth’ is the most ambitious, complete and unique album Skunk Anansie have ever made. Skin’s viscerally operatic vocals are often the only element which link this record to the band behind enduring anthems ‘Hedonism’ and ‘Weak’. Well, that and the fearless, unrelenting fighting spirit that this band have always possessed. And they have no intention of laying down their weapons. Bratty punk opener ‘An Artist Is An Artist’ drips with disdain. Super emotive, sonically imploring ‘Cheers’ is a euphoric indie scream-along perfectly placed slap bang in the middle of the tracklisting. Soul-stirring, stunning closing track ‘Meltdown’ is simply layers of Skin’s vocals sparkling over delicate keys. ‘The Painful Truth’ is the sound of progression. There are frequent electro elements, reggae grooves, ska influences and even a slight industrial and rave edge at times, to tracks always played and sung with heart, guts, spirit and soul. There’s a feel of, ‘What does this button do? Let’s press it! Sounds good! Get it in!’ to ‘Shoulda Been You’, which is Skunk Anansie at both their most unpredictable and catchy. The album is named for the reality Skunk have lived through, and it feels like the band needed to make this record as much as their fans need to hear it. Because no word of a lie – it’s a masterpiece.