To say that Benj from Skindred stands out in the metal band scene - dominated by white faces, epic beards and hair grown for headbanging - would be an understatement. For a start, he’s black and has dreads.

As nu-metal is very dead, and post-hardcore bands just fail to interest me anymore, Skindred is a breath of fresh air. Their music is very unique, and the band really know how to get the crowd jumping. With most metal gigs, I judge my enjoyment by counting the number of bruises I get from the moshpit. On the basis of that, I’d say May’s gig was excellent. Others seemed to agree - the C2 was packed with black t-shirted metallers, and was as busy as I’ve ever seen it for a metal gig.

To those who prefer heavier guitar-based music, you have to check them out. See www.mypsace.com/skindred for some sample tracks, and www.brightonsound.com for upcoming gig listings - they usually play at least once a year at the C2.

This can be a good thing; sometimes a hastily recorded demo can skew the perception of a melody-seeking man such as me…

So, what was my naïve but intrepid mind greeted with?

Answer: A monolithic, noise-berg, occasionally melting to create bubbling little streams of gentle introspection. The metaphor is appalling, but the playing was much better; somewhere between Sigur-Ros and Johnny Greenwood’s less sane moments; transmitted by pylons.

There are no words, and no need for them, the sentiment is communicated through a form of subjective, musical vernacular. Lyrics would be unnecessary, ham-fisted and rude.

Being critical, perhaps a tad more variation would be welcome, much of the playing involved the thrashing of heavily effected/delayed guitars, and there was a ‘pinch’ too much self-importance at times, for my personal tastes.

However, I’ve since reversed the normal interaction of listen>gig and discovered that the recorded Kontakte are quite a different proposition, where the subtleties are more marked, and the louder moments more subtle. All in all. Pretty damn good.

www.myspace.com/kontakteuk