Tag Archives: Byron Bay

SKEGSS: Rehearsal.

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Nearly 3 years on from their last record, Skegss are back with a new record that completely justifies why they are one of the most exciting bands around. Rehearsal is a record to do a load of nothing to, and to just have a good time. Play the record in your room as loud as you want, or head out on a long walk blasting this out as loud as you can. Head to the beach and let the waves crash around you; soak up this beautiful record in all ways possible.

Skegss know how to make music that just hits you in the soul; instantly making you feel much better and less worried/stressed out. It’s like they take it all on, and let it all out for you. 5 singles have been released so far from the record, and don’t let that trick you into thinking you’ve heard everything the band has to offer on this record. So far from it. The singles released so far are obviously brilliant, but the record is made up of songs to just really take in and play every single day. Is this record better than their debut, My Own Mess? That’s like asking someone to choose who their favourite kid is or whatever- there’s no comparison here.

I really love that Skegss have such a powerful way of being open with their lyrics. There is this beautiful fragility to Fantasising and it just makes you feel like someone has scooped out all of your thoughts and described them in a more articulate and less scary way. I just love the way Ben has this sleepy tone to his voice, and it kind of feels like a lullaby. It makes you really feel every single word he’s singing and I really can’t get enough of Running From Nothing- it’s such an easy song to relate to. It’s one of those songs that you listen to, and think “oh fuck!” and it just blows you away. They’ve been around for a while now, but they have this sound that makes you feel like you’re listening to them for the first time with every single time. You just can’t get enough of their slick sound.

For me Skegss are like the friend that calms you down when everything is a bit too much. Their sound is utterly soothing; and they’ve really gone above and beyond with this record. These 13 songs deserve all your love, devotion and attention. You just can’t get bored of songs like Sip Of Wine, Picturesque Moment and Valhalla. You just can’t get tired of a record like this, of a band like this. The 3 of them are brilliant musicians, and you can really hear the bond between them all- especially on this record. There’s a tighter sound here, and it’s a real pleasure to listen to.

As someone who’s been a fan of them for a few years, to hear how they’ve developed their sound but always had a strong Punk backbone to their music; you can’t help but feel really proud of them. There’s moments on the record which make me think of In Utero by Nirvana- Curse My Happiness being the main song to liken it to. There’s something so pure about the band, and you just cannot help but become obsessed with them. Wake Up is a song to really listen to when you can feel the world taking its toll on you. It’s like the song is reassuring you that maybe, it’ll be alright. We don’t know when, but it will be. Hopefully.

When you listen to Rehearsal you just know that this record was made to be played live, to be played at 4am when your mind won’t settle- it’ll be your best pal. It’ll be your crutch. It’ll be your world. Skegss are such an exciting band, and Rehearsal is just a taste of how great they are. Grab a beer, and get lost in this delight of a record.

MINI SKIRT.

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Finding information about the band Mini Skirt is impossible without searches bringing up weird images and the like. Fortunately, I’ve got what I need to write about this proper rowdy band. A band that make you feel like you’re listening to Black Flag for the first time. Are you ready to throw things out of the window and trash your living room? Yes? No? It doesn’t matter. Mini Skirt are a brilliant band who have this refreshing angst and humour in their music.

 Mini Skirt formed in Byron Bay (yes, another Australian band that I’m writing about) and although I know basically nothing about the Australian music scene (I know what I like, and what I’m not big on) I can safely say that there are some fucking incredible bands out there. I’ve written about the ones I’ve found and loved, but I know there’s more out there. It’s the turn of Mini Skirt right now, and there’s something about their extremely honest and to the point lyrics that just makes you fall in love with them instantly. They have this charm that makes you feel like you’re hanging out with your best friends; they see the world in a way that may or may not irk some, but they’re telling us what they see and what they see in others. They unleash their disappointments and the like, and the way they express it is done in a way that you wish more would do. Their humour is what lures you in but it’s their evident talent that keeps you there. Completely locked in.

 

 

A band I can liken them to is Viagra Boys- they both have this undeniable charm and wit in their songs, and it is just a real privilege to listen to. Mini Skirt are a band that observe, and I mean really observe. Their song (Untitled) taken from Hello Possums (ten points if you get the reference!) is one of my favourites, and it really captures the way we observe others, ourselves and the world; and how our thoughts can just turn into a bunch of nothingness. Sometimes you just gorm out and your brain focuses on things that probably hold no worth to others, but it matters to you. So, it does matter.

 I’m not entirely sure when the band started, it may have been around 2016 with their Taste EP- which you must listen to! They have such a solid and gnarly sound; they’re just consistently brilliant, and I think that’s why what they do works. Songs like Out Of Place (from 2016) to last year’s Pretty shows just how far they have come, and how their sound has got stronger and the toughness in the lyrics is really coming through. Mini Skirt aren’t afraid to be brutally honest and call out bullshitters. We need more of that, and the way they call out various injustices is brilliant. Dying Majority is a prime example of this and is definitely one of the most vital songs of our time. Listen to it. Listen to it really loud and take in the lyrics. Going back to the Taste EP; it is made up of 6 songs that are the perfect introduction to the band. If you’re going to start here with the band, then you won’t be sorry. Songs like Billy Elliot and Dogs are so effortlessly great, and they have this lo-fi sound that makes you feel like you’re watching them rehearse right in front of you. If only we could be that lucky! It’s such a fantastic EP. They aren’t afraid to call people/society out on their shitty behaviour, and that alone makes them easy to love.

 

 

Mini Skirt are nothing short of exceptional, and I hope they take over the world someday…somehow. I love everything about their sound. I love how they make music for them, and aren’t afraid to be bold and honest, and of course- loud. The snarls in the vocals (especially on Security) to the drums that sound like a riot and everything else, it’s just incredible. They’re made up of some of the best musicians you’ll probably ever hear, and their newest release Pretty shows us that. Go listen to all the music they’ve given us, and you’ll truly hear something that will blow your mind.

 

*photo by Dougal Gorman

SKEGSS: My Own Mess.

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Finally, we have the debut record by Skegss. My Own Mess is a brilliant record, and I’m going to do my best to explain why this is one of the finest records you will hear all year.

As I write this, I can see grey rain clouds take over the Manchester skies but Skegss make me feel like I am elsewhere. I feel like I’m on some beach shutting the world off to these songs that are full of the things that sometimes make my mind work overtime. Infinity is one of the best songs on the record, especially the lyrics but truth be told- you can’t pick just one song here. It’s impossible.

This is a record that has surpassed any expectations anyone could have. It honestly doesn’t sound like a debut record; I feel like I am listening to a band I have been listening to for decades or something insane. They have blown my mind on this record, and it is nothing short of a joy to listen to. There are 15 songs on My Own Mess, and because I love this band so much-I want more songs. But what they’ve given us on this record is so great. It is unlike anything else you’ll hear this year or for a long time. It’s one of those records that will just stay with you. When you listen to it in years to come, it’ll make you feel like you did when you first heard it. It holds that much power in it, and I really hope they are proud of what they have done here because it is just remarkable.

Skegss make you make sense of carrying around a bunch of feelings that just make you feel jaded, and wanting to just escape for a while. They are just the ideal band to listen to and let the world be out of your sights for a little bit. They have this gorgeous comforting sound that isn’t always found in bands that make this kind of music. Usually the bands I listen to that have a similar sound just make me want to throw a bunch of stuff around. Skegss are different. Completely different. They just make me want to shut the world off and do whatever the hell I want for a little while. I love the song Paradise; it’s such a gentle song that I hope they put in their live setlist.

Something I really love about this record is that you cannot pick one band that they sound like or who has influenced them. It’s just so different. I mean sure they are a band I would gravitate towards anyway, but there is something about Skegss that is really unlike any other. This is a record to be fully enjoyed. At first, listen to it on your own and soak this record in. Take on board every lyric, fall in love with every element of this beautiful record. Then play it to those you trust will love this record too. Then, play it super loud so everyone on your street can hear. The song, Margarita is one you should definitely play the loudest and you know, maybe take their advice and have one.

My Own Mess is such an enjoyable record and just a real pleasure to listen to. It’s a fun record, and it just makes you feel totally relaxed, even if you find yourself identifying with a lot of the songs/lyrics- it’s totally fine because Skegss just make you feel at ease. I think this is definitely going to be one of my most listened to records for a hell of a long time. It’s just a glorious piece of art. The song Stop makes me wish I could skate; I’d have this song playing as I rip through the streets carefree as fast as possible. Oh, and Midnight Eyes has now just become my favourite. I’m in love with this song for sure.

Skegss are going on a pretty big tour in support of this record over the next few months. Come out and watch them, and let them just blow whatever is left of your mind.

My Own Mess is out RIGHT NOW via Ratbag Records!

SKEGSS.

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Hailing from Byron Bay, Skegss are one of the most exciting bands you’ll listen to this year and probably, ever. They make music that holds a sunny disposition that just makes you happy, even if you feel the total opposite. They’re definitely one of the best bands around who are making this kind of noise. It’s addictive Surfer Rock that just makes you want to have a good time, all the time.

On Friday, their debut record, My Own Mess will be released. I could have held off and just wrote about it then but this band is way too good for me to wait this one out. I cannot get enough of their feel good songs, and the way they just make you forget all your troubles. I’ve spent most of my morning at work with a migraine thinking I’m going to puke, but as I listen to Skegss on my dinner break- I feel alright!


Skegss make the kind of music that makes you want to just hit the beach and watch the world go by. They have such gorgeous songs that just make you feel so good, you know. Sometimes this is just what the mind, body and soul needs. I am so excited to hear the record on Friday. It’ll be a dinner break well spent writing about it. As I listen to them for the god knows how many time, I can’t get my head round the fact that their debut record hasn’t come out yet. They sound like a band who have been at this for absolutely ages and are about to release their fourth or fifth.
In November they’ll be touring the UK, and are playing one of my favourite venues in Manchester- The Deaf Institute, and get this- Dumb Punts are supporting them! That’s one of the best line-ups this year. Also, my birthday is in November so I’ll treat this as a belated celebration. I love how Skegss can just flip your mind inside out with their infectious songs that just make every part of you feel pretty damn great.
They’ve released a handful of singles and EPs, so if you’ve heard them then you’ll already have had a taste of how exceptional their debut record is going to be. I can’t wait to catch one of their shows in November. They give off such a DIY feel, and I’m pretty sure that their live shows are going to be just as wild as they sound on record. Australia sure knows how to hit us with amazing Surfer/Garage Rock. Skegss are a band that you cannot help but constantly praise. There is something about them that makes you really root for them, and hope they last a long, long time. We need bands like this. We need bands like Skegss to make us feel good especially when the world can be quite cruel at times. Their gentle and freeing sound is so consistent, and it’s definitely most apparent in the gorgeous song, Stranger. This is one of my favourites but to pick just one is impossible. Stranger is such a captivating song that I want to listen to on a loop. It feels like a soothing ray of sunshine. Then you’ve got New York California which is just a sublime song. This is the one that I cannot get enough of, and I really hope they play it in November because I’ve just GOT to see this one live.


I’m super excited to listen to the new record on Friday and to write about it. I’m pretty confident that it’ll be one of the best records we will hear this year. Sure summer may be over for most, but Skegss give us that summer mood in every song. Take some time out, and let Skegss provide the songs to watch the world drift by.

My Own Mess will be out this Friday on Ratbag Records.

Oh, one last thing- just listen to this song, and let it make you feel entirely free and let everything go: