Smile
Smile needs little time to establish what Skindred do well. Our Religion supplies a heavy guitar foundation while Benji Webbe places harsh outbursts against melodic singing.
Gimme That Boom turns this strength into a bouncy song with a direct rhythm and heavy breakdowns. The approach is familiar, but conviction keeps it lively. If I Could seeks more contrast between instrumental pressure and a calmer chorus. Webbe receives room to carry the melody there, giving the gentler passage a clear role within the arrangement.
Further in, the surroundings become lighter. Life That's Free introduces a looser feel while This Appointed Love clearly brings the reggae side forward. Prominent percussion gives Black Stars another kind of energy. These are recognisable moves within the same approach, with sufficient difference to draw attention beyond the weight of the riffs and towards how each song moves.
Addicted has springy guitar parts around which the singing can move comfortably. Mama instead chooses a more relaxed, soulful mood. Such moments reveal how much Webbe can change through his delivery. The band do not need to keep playing harder to make their music convincing or maintain its sense of character.
The upbeat side does not work equally well throughout. L.O.V.E. (Smile Please) becomes rather sweet and fits less naturally beside the heavier material. State of the Union repeats its idea longer than necessary while some more direct rock songs leave less impression. Nevertheless, Smile has enough strong rhythms and clear melodies to compensate. Its best songs connect enjoyment with power, allowing Skindred's different sides to sit comfortably together.
