The Skinny: The Bands You DON’T Want to Miss! – Volume #11

what’s The Skinny? Here’s the deal. There are SO many sick bands out there that just don’t get enough love. Well, with The Skinny, that’s all going to change. We have taken it upon ourselves to get together and bust out a list once a month where we tell you about a handful of sick-ass bands that we feel NEED to be heard. Signed or unsigned, new or old, these are just bands that deserve some additional attention. We challenge you to take the time to check each one out; they are amazing, they are loved, and now they have been Skinned.

01. Fire in the Skies (Metal, Thrash, Hardcore) [ skinned by: Jenny Hopkins ]
the skinny: A new take on a sound that has been around for the last few years, Fire in the Skies was recently voted “The Next Big Thing From Utah” by fans of a Salt Lake City radio station. Brad, the groups vocalist, credits their recent success to hard work and dedication to their fans. They sound like Killswitch Engage met Korn at a Hatebreed concert. The five piece, rounded out by Brett, Nic, Mark and Chris, are currently touring the Northwest and are booked to perform in South Africa next September. FITS recently released their first album, which was produced by Matt Winegar, who had previously worked with Coheed and Cambria and Primus.
links: MySpace | Last.FM

03. Skavenjah (Ska, Reggae, Soul) [ skinned by: Amanda Symynuk ]
the skinny: This band produces a sound to melt your stresses away and make you want to dance your socks off. Their ska sound infused with reggae reminds one of sun, fun and sandy beaches. Their new album One More Night With You is perfect for all of us who can’t make it down to some hot, sandy beaches this winter. The next time Skavenjah can be viewed live is at the Sask. Pavillion at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
links: MySpace | Home | Last.FM

04. The Android Meme (Rock, Electro, Alternative) [ skinned by: Marina DiBattista ]
the skinny: Hometown (Toronto) social-political based band, with a message through their dark music and artistic presence. Sounds like Nine Inch Nails meets Marilyn Manson. Part progressive, part electronica, brought together by synth. By using their music, they share their views on Western society and it’s impacts on young America. Check out their music video for “Sumii” produced by Flatline Pictures.
links: MySpace | Home | Last.FM

07. The Soft Pack (Garage, Rock, Indie) [ skinned by: Will Lyon ]
the skinny: We all have time for a bit more indie in our lives, so why not get your fix from latest kids on the block, The Soft Pack. They’ve just released their self titled debut LP, which means there’s still plenty of time to jump on the bandwagon. Within the album, the quartet exhibit some pacey, infectious songs and even have a few flutters at slower tunes. Thankfully, they aren’t mind numbingly predictable like other indie bands constantly emerging around the globe. The Soft Pack do indeed possess some edgy individuality.
links: MySpace | Home | Last.FM

we want YOUR input! so do you think we suck at skinning bands? Do you have a group that you want to see posted here? Well then take two minutes and send us an email to mail[at]puregrainaudio.com with your thoughts. We’ll take each letter seriously and with any luck you’ll see your nomination live in one of our future installments of The Skinny!