THE SKINTS @ THE JOINERS
THE NICE TIME TOUR SPONSORED BY SIGNATURE BREW AND INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK
Since 2007, The Skints have thrived on a smaller stage. Despite headlining Lion's Den at Boomtown Festival over the summer, The Skints still make a name for themselves supporting local venues and local artists.
Humility drives this band to new heights as their drive to stay connected with their fans is paramount. Visiting Brighton's, Hope & Ruin earlier in the month for a Beer Launch. Attendees could meet the band whilst downing a signature pint in a local independent music bar. All in celebration of the launch of The Skints own Signature Brew, Nice Time Pale Ale.
Over the past couple of years, The Skints have become regular Southampton residents, playing The Engine Rooms last year for the release of their latest album, FM.
The Joiners was added to the tour at the last minute, however, their relaxed reggae vibes failed to push them under the radar this time. With only 800 tickets released for this intimate gig, fans were shocked when it sold out within 48-hours.
Independent Venue Week started in 2013, dedicated to keeping the spirit of independent live music venues alive.
IVW promotes the survival of these niche cultures, they believe the indie-scene is a vital life-source for upcoming musicians in the UK. Seven nights of live music brought to you by artists, taste-makers, promoters and media outlets are all it takes to restore Southampton's faith in live music every-year.
The night was full of opportunity for everyone involved. Due to the nature of this small music venue, the musicians were forced to make themselves at home - by the bar.
Riddled with collective sounds, the seven-piece introduced themselves with confidence, bringing a fresh soundscape as their classic style rocked through the audience. Many were surprised that this 'unknown band' could stand-up straight in the shadow of The Skints.
"The weird part is that I actually bought tickets for this gig! I'm only from Eastbourne... so yeah, on a whim I decided to email the promoter. Didn't think we'd get it, but a couple of days later I got a email giving us the go-ahead. We were all really shocked, our guitarist almost didn't make it." - The OHMZ Drummer, Daryl.
A one-of-a-kind Frisbee, up-cycled by Skints drummer Jamie Kyriakides, was also on display at the merchandise table. For a meager £30, this relic was snapped up by an elated student. He was then able to get the item signed by the band themselves, leaving the rest of the bar, jealous but sated at the very least. Nice Time’s tap dried up early, selling out well before The Skints hit the stage.
We talked to Georgia Balson, a local university student about why she got to join in for free, "Shadowing one of the promoters today, there's no better way to learn. Live events is what I want to do, practice like this is invaluable, I don't think a lot of people realise that."
The gig was a night full of rocksteady reggae beats, a post-modern twist brought influences from bands like Black Flag into play as Ska and Punk vibes shone through each act. The Skints began strong with their usual FM set, with popular songs such as, This Town building the moment.
As time went on, the unexpected happened - electricity unleashed for the first time in three years, as Part and Parcel and Live. Breathe. Build. Believe came to life once-more.
Culture Vulture and Mindless were played live by the band, lapped up with loud seals of approval, the words screaming echos as every fan in the crowd sang along to old-school Skints.
After the show the crowd and bands piled back into The Joiners bar for one last Nice Time brew surprise, autographs were signed, the overall picture? A story of a great night, had by all.