The Sheffield Scenester

I first discovered Skint & Demoralised’s music while listening to Raw Talent on BBC Radio Sheffield a couple of years ago and I thought their songs “The Thrill of 30 Seconds” and “Red Lipstick” were very strong and witty. After becoming very successful and getting their singles played on daytime Radio 1, Matt Abbot and friends have made a great name for themselves. When I found out they were making a comeback, I just knew this was something I had to listen to.

The first track of the album, “Hogmanay Heroes” is a very upbeat bouncy tune, which tells the story of an exciting night out on the town for New Year’s Eve. The band instantly put everybody in a good mood with their inspiring lyrics and catchy vocals, making this a great way to begin what is anticipated to be a brilliant album if their past tracks are anything to go by.

Next up is “43 Degrees” and this is, yet again, another feel good track, which would be likely to get every listener in a good mood. It starts off quite calmly with the acoustic guitar melody and then gives the impression of bonfires on a beach, loads of alcohol and good company. It definitely gives off the summer time/ road trip vibe which I really like. Another fun, upbeat, dancy song comes in the form of “Maybe you are After All.” Definitely something from a summer soundtrack in the making!

The next track is “Maria, Full of Grace,” which sounds like an excitingly upbeat little indie rock tune, oozing potential to be an anthem in the making…methinks. The indie guitars and consistent drum beat work really well and although the lyrics are less optimistic than the tracks before, I am confident that this song will be one to sing along to in the summer sun.

“All the Rest is Propaganda” is up next and also has a feel good summertime vibe to it. With a really catchy chorus and witty lyrics that would just get everyone thinking “aah, now that is a great tune” – please get this on the Radio 1 playlist sometime soon!

I have to say “The Lonely Hearts of England” is probably my favourite track off this album. It sounds sort of like a football anthem that you would sing along to in the pub after a match. Absolute genius! I love the lyrics in this track because they are so witty and as you’re listening to it, you’re always wondering what will rhyme with what. The Yorkshire accent adds to the wit of the song as well, and lines like “he’d drink a pint of whiskey like you’d drink a pint of milk” are just so cool and typical of Skint & Demoralised – one of the great reasons why we love them!

“Voluntary Confinement” is definitely one of the darker tracks, which gives a different, more negative, perspective of alcohol. Carefully thought through lyrics are used, depicting a strong and powerful addiction, which, for anyone who has been in this situation can possibly relate to. This song is quite moving and it definitely makes you think. Similarly, “Did it all go to Plan” is quite a down tempo track. However, both these songs refuse to be looked at in a depressing light and Matt indicates this by his clever lyrics, and the guitar melodies are so soothing and calm. Yet another thing that this band can do really well!

“Fireworks” begins with a delicate organ melody, fused together with tambourines and a soft guitar tune. The lyrics tell the tale of the feelings of love from the perspective of a smitten man. It is really beautiful and in typical Skint & Demoralised fashion, they have managed to make the track sound really lovely rather than clichéd, which I admire about them, because there is nothing clichéd about Skint & Demoralised whatsoever. They are such a brilliant band.

The final track of the album is “Lowlife,” which has a fired up, in-your-face feel to it. It is quite emotional, similar to “Voluntary Confinement,” however, it is more upbeat and to the point. The heavy drum beats hit you and the harsher guitar sound does give the impression of fighting against a force that is trying to catch you out. This track is very powerful and a strong way to end what is a brilliant album.



Words by Shirley Bell