Skam - It's Come to This...
Skam are a rock band based in Leicester and since their formation, they have matured and established quite a following there and elsewhere, having a reputation for fun, energetic live shows. Whilst their previous efforts of the 'Bulsara' and 'Killing Time' EPs may have been a bit raw in production, they certainly display signs of maturity on their debut LP - their efforts have, indeed, come to this.
From the opening track, 'Soldiers of Rock', Skam demonstrate just how accomplished they can be as musicians, delivering a sense of immediacy accompanied by the kind of tight, circular guitar riff they seem to be able to create in abundance. The lyrics are sung with the passion and power that a rock singer should have throughout, it being evident that vocalist Steve Hill has a talent for the job. But each band member plays their part: the drum kit is practically punished by drummer Ray 'X-Ray' Peverill and Matt Gilmore plays an excellent backing, and when all three sing together, the harmonies sound a bit like Metallica's (no bad thing). It is evident in this opening track alone (but is reaffirmed throughout the album) that Skam are all accomplished musicians, with each individual talent being brought into the mix, complimenting each other. Hill even demonstrates his talent as a guitarist with a fantastically played solo.
From there on, the quality continues. 'Dead From the Waist Down' showcases a fantastic title and a powerful chorus, executed with control. 'No Lies' sees them create another effortless rhythm and 'Massacre' has a bass-line reminiscent of Rage against the Machine circa 'Bullet in the Head'. The second half of the album is no different either, 'Weapon' containing one of the best riffs on the album, and executing the classic rock formula of 'take a good thing, do it again' very well - it never tires, and the same is the case for 'Frustration'. 'Frustration', especially, seems to be a celebration of rock, talking of "thousands of fans singing with me", and relishing in the rock and roll dream, perhaps. One of the best tracks on the album.
The highlight, however, is without a shadow of a doubt 'Going Away'. Here we see Skam at their most mellow and contemplative, with a dreamy, blues-like solo ushering in the best vocals on the album. "Heal me, I am broken" and "miles apart right next to me" - simple, but effective and powerful lines, with Hill finding himself in his best voice. Easily the most anthemic track on the album, this is the kind of track that must fare well at gigs. After the first chorus has finished, the track builds up as the drums kick in, taking the track to new heights. An excellent ballad, and just when you think it's finished, it transforms into an altogether different beast, with a breakdown that sounds almost exactly like the 'mission impossible' theme at first glance, playing with the traditional formula they do so well on most other tracks. It is the kind of moment you might find in 'Bohemian Rhapsody', when you think the track is over and rocking guitar kicks in, giving the track an entirely new impression.
Whilst it isn't an album that is going to challenge the traditional formula of rock, I'm not sure that's what Skam want to do. They are a no-nonsense, straight-up rock band, and playing to their strengths. 'Going Away' shows hints of a slightly different direction, but it is entirely accessible as a track, and provides some variety in the midst of a hard-hitting heavy rock album that doesn't take itself too seriously. What Skam have done is create a very solid album of classic rock music, and had fun doing it.
Check them our further at: skamuk.com