SKiN
By Armeney Derderian

I must admit, I have a major problem with television today. No matter which channel you try, everything is exactly the same. I blame MTV. Music Television (or lack there-of…) has done nothing more than clone and re-clone five types of music/bands/artists over and over again ~ Pop, Rock, R&B, Rap, and the newest addition to the downfall of our society, Pop-punk. Ew. Just to use that word, punk, in combination with a word as loathsome as pop, makes me want to pluck out my eyes a la Kill Bill style (or better yet, eyes AND ears). Anyway, seeing as how I can’t even hum a tune in key, nevermind change the world by starting the greatest band ever, I was forced to change my goal in life from becoming part of a band the likes of which the world has seen to writing about a band the likes of which Central MA has never seen (or heard). So this month, let me tear you guys away from the Family Guy marathon long enough to hear (well, read) and remember one very simple word: SKIN.

This group of exceptionally talented musicians with the suggestion name sure as hell put the “extra” in extraordinary! Hailing from Webster, MA (at least that’s where they get together to practice their greatness), these five guys have the appearance of an MTV band, but definitely do not have a sound like a typical MTV band. Now when I say “appearance,” I’m referring to their instruments. There are no mandolins or IPODS with home-made beats this time. These guys rock out with good ol’- fashioned guitar, bass, and drums. The hook, the thing that makes them more than just stand out, is the two vocalists.

Now, I am not describing crooning, melodramatic pre-teen boys who wear more make-up than their girlfriends. I am talking about VOCALISTS. Andy Jones and Sean Smith, with their self-described “rapid-fire vocals,” are just about as far from any negative adjective as two guys can be. They provide the physical side of the music, too, by being the band members who run, jump and scream their way into your hearts. With drummer Henry Kac keeping a mean beat, and brothers Kyle and Ryan Soule, respectively guitarist and bassist of SKIN, providing the original sounds that help fuel Andrew and Sean, this is one live show you cannot miss!

Five guys, original sounds, flesh tearing vocal styling…it’s no wonder this band calls itself SKIN. With a sound that wraps the audience is such a thick layer of sound and energy, who needs to wear anything more?

Be sure to check the SKIN website, www.skinsucks.com, for details on where and when you can next catch the boys playing live.