Search - Skunk Anansie :: Paranoid & Sunburnt

Criminally Ignored

Sarah Jane | Glasgow, U.K. | 08/16/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are various connotations that spring to mind when you hear the term "British Rock" but Skunk Anansie dare to break the mold. On this surprisingly strong and developed debut, they combine punk and metal to devastating effect, adding irresistably funky basslines and searing guitar riffs. Later in their career the band would add dark dance beats to their work, but this album is them at their rawest, heaviest and (in my opinion) best. Skunk Anansie manage to sound nothing like any of their peers, but the closest desciption that springs to mind would be a mixture of Rage Against the Machine's political rage, L7's bruising metal attack, early Red Hot Chili Peppers style funk and an attitude as powerful as the Sex Pistols' (but a lot more intellectual)While not as commercial as Stoosh, I still believe this is accessible to any serious fan of rock and/or metal. Skunk Anansie also prove their sense of variety with slower, softer tracks like Weak and Charity. Little Baby Swastikkka is an inspired mixture of loud/soft dynamics, little girl whispers, malevolent riffs and sheer power.Because of their nationality, they sometimes (wrongly) get lumped in with the British indie scene. Skunk Anansie should have made it in America, because (as well as being able to write great songs) they're blessed with a truly individualistic vocalist (Skin) who not only has one of the most beautiful and powerful female voices I've heard, but who puts her soul into the political lyrics and who actually has a clue about what she's singing.Deliciously heavy, seething with rage, yet laden with catchy hooks and melodies: Paranoid and Sunburnt is a true gem."

You're too cool to be smart, but that is what you are...

Sugarplumeferry | Pittsburgh | 06/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It does take blood and guts to be this cool, but Skunk Anansie surely aren't a cliche. In fact, they were probably one of the best British acts of the 90s, and quite possibly one of my favorite artists period. The band formed in 1994, just one year before they were signed to One Little Indian/Epic and released their '95 debut, and the fact that they got their act together so quickly and at such a young age wrote one of the best albums of that year astounds me.



Skunk Anansie (who sadly disbanded in 2001) were originally comprised of vocalist Skin, guitarist Ace, and bassist Cass. Mark Richardson, currently in Feeder, would become the band's drummer later on. Nothing quite like Skunk existed at this time - few multiracial, aggro-rock bands could be found aside from Rage Against the Machine, and the British music scene, populated by such silliness as the Spice Girls, wasn't exactly in its healthiest state. Many credit such bands as Radiohead and Placebo as singlehandedly keeping British music alive throughout the nineties; however, Skunk Anansie in my opinion offered the biggest wake-up call.



The black, bald, British woman Skin (who Sevendust fans are likely to recognize *hint hint*) and her soulful voice (not to mention funky attitude) were the heart of SA's music, and gave the band an extra edge that would even attract the attention of Icelandic diva Bjork, who personally requested the band to perform an alternate version of her song "Army of Me" which can be found on that particular single (the band also performed the song live with Bjork shortly afterwards). Skin's lyrics can be summed up as emotive, clever and expressive, but her voice is the band's biggest highlight. Accompanied by Ace's near-grungy guitars and Cass's bass rhythms, Skin can belt her demons out in heavy rockers "Selling Jesus" and "Little Baby Swastikkka" as well as tenderly coo out the chorus to the more up-tempo ballads "Charity" and "Weak." She's definitely the best black female singer I have ever heard, and could outsing Whitney Houston anyday. Furthermore, there are songs like the driving "I Can Dream" and upbeat closer "Rise Up" that make me wonder why this band never got the same exposure in America as they did in Britain.



After this album, the band would go on to make two more, 1996's Stoosh and 1999's Post Orgasmic Chill, the latter being my favorite of the band's works, as well as tour with such bands as Lenny Kravitz, Bad Religion, Soulfly, OOMPH! and Sevendust. There would eventually be a peaceful split in 2001, and Skin would move on to a solo career (her most recent album being released this past February), while Ace would work on music of his own and Mark would join the band Feeder. Still, I hope that Skunk reunite in the future, as they were easily one of the best bands of their time - not to mention they still are."

Skin Rocks

stephen Garry | Manchester England | 01/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Skin has the most amazing voice that defines each and every track on this album. Skin and co have managed on their first album to achieve what it takes other groups years to do, and that is to be able to produce an album good all the way through without having any low rated tracks or album fillers and each track beats the previous. Featuring key tracks like Weak, Charity and Selling Jesus, Skunk Anansie are going to be a band to watch out for in the future."