Skindred Bring Big Energy to an Intimate Night at Sound Knowledge
- Lee (Review Zoo)
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Ahead of the release of their new album You Got This
Last night we had the rare opportunity to see Skindred perform a stripped-back acoustic set at Sound Knowledge, an independent record store in Marlborough, ahead of the release of their new album You Got This.
Thanks to the band and the store, a small group of lucky fans were able to experience Skindred in an intimate, organic setting—far removed from the chaos of their usual festival stages. This wasn’t a curated or selected audience, but simply those quick enough to secure one of the limited tickets available. Everyone had the chance to attend; the size of the store kept things naturally intimate, perfectly suiting the occasion.
For a town like Marlborough—known for its charm and the presence of Marlborough College—nights like this feel significant. I was told earlier in the evening that Benji Webbe and the rest of Skindred had been walking through the town before the show, which made their arrival through the front door feel even more surreal. It’s events like these that continue to expand the town’s cultural palette—putting Marlborough on the map for new reasons and giving the local area opportunities like this.
As the crowd squeezed into the record store, anticipation simmered. Then, without warning, Benji Webbe and the rest of Skindred burst through the crowd—full of bold character and unmistakable presence. It wasn’t a sudden explosion into song; instead, laughter, chatter, and Benji’s larger-than-life personality filled the space as they spoke about the songs, sharing stories before easing into stripped-back versions. It felt less like the start of a performance and more like the beginning of an evening with friends.
Between songs, Benji Webbe shared stories behind the lyrics and the new album You Got This, giving real insight into the songs we were hearing in this stripped-back setting. While a few tracks from You Got This are already familiar as singles, hearing them like this brought out something deeper—more personal, more real, and it already feels like a record that’s going to connect with people in a big way.
The musicianship within Skindred is top-notch, and it’s amplified tenfold in a setting like this. Benji’s vocals are flawless as he works the crowd effortlessly, drawing them in and encouraging just as much energy in return—while still allowing space for everyone to experience and enjoy the moment in their own way.
The acoustic format proved just how strong these songs are at their core. Stripped back, the hooks felt even more powerful, with connection and storytelling at the heart of it all, and the crowd responded to every moment—shouting back “Boom Boom!” and “You Got This!” in unison
A standout moment of the evening came with a track from You Got This called “Can I Get A”. Even when I’m not listening to it, it’s still stuck in my head thanks to its seriously catchy chorus. It was a real highlight for me, perfectly suiting the setting, with vocals bouncing between Benji Webbe, the band, and the audience. It felt less like a gig and more like a shared experience.
Despite the quieter setting, the band lost none of their passion. Whether on a massive stage or in a record store, Skindred bring the same intensity and connection.
Events like this highlight the importance of spaces like Sound Knowledge—bringing artists and fans together in a way that feels genuine and personal. Being able to hear a band of this size up close, and even chat with them afterwards, is something special.
It’s one thing listening to music—especially now, when we have it on demand whenever we want—but last night was a reminder that music is good for the soul. There’s something special about stepping into a record store, holding an album in your hands, and sharing that experience with a community of like-minded people. It’s important we don’t lose the positives of the old ways as we embrace the new.
I believe Skindred have taken this approach on this tour not just to promote their new album, but to give back to the fans, connect with the music community, and give something back to the record stores that, in a way, helped make them what they are today.
You Got This is out Friday 17/04/2026.
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