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THE REVIEW
"Stoosh" in Jamaican means "incomplete," and no better title could have been chosen for this album.
Indeed, "Stoosh," released in 1996, follows the punk and politicized "Paranoid & Sunbunt," still too naïve, and precedes the excellent and famous "Post Orgasmic Chill," where tones will calm down and give way to ballads and sentimentalism. Therefore, with this work, we are in a transitional phase for the band, where electric rock wonderfully marries sweet and melancholic atmospheres.
The musicians are Cass on bass, very prominent (almost on the same level as the guitar), Ace on guitar, and Mark on drums, but the real star of the group is Skin, with a very distinctive voice that can range from screams to delicate tones with the slightest effort. It starts with "Yes it's fucking political" with a fiery progression very similar to that of the first album, followed by "All I Want", with a much calmer rhythm, but equally biting, thanks to Skin's growl-like screams on the second chorus.
"She's my Heroine" is sung very painfully, it must definitely be an autobiographical piece, with the usual chorus shouted in a very satisfying way. After these three very powerful pieces, we find ourselves with a sweet and melancholic ballad complete with supporting violins called "Infedelity(Only You)" and "Hedonism(Just Because You Feel Good)", one of the group's most famous songs, with its very catchy chorus and a beautiful text (like all the others, for that matter).
"Twisted(Everyday Hurts)", with a slapped bass intro, raises the tones, something "We Love Your Apathy" also does, even though the chorus, sung in unison, is quite catchy. "Brazen(Weep)" is another beautiful ballad with a guitar as the only accompaniment in the verses, and the other instruments join in the chorus, also supported here by never-too-intrusive violins. "Picking on Me" is a song only for acoustic guitar and voice, speaking on the theme of bullying among kids (could this too be an autobiographical piece?). Concluding the album is the heavy "Milk Is My Sugar", with a great bass solo, and the sweet pop ballad "Glorious Pop Song", with a semi-psychedelic chorus due to Skin's unprecedented use of falsetto.
In conclusion an album that, despite its 10 years, is still very enjoyable, and makes one regret the band's premature split.
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Summary by Bot
Released in 1996, Skunk Anansie’s 'Stoosh' is a transitional album blending punk-inspired electric rock with sweet and melancholic ballads. Skin’s distinctive vocals range from powerful screams to delicate tones, elevating the politically charged and emotionally rich lyrics. Notable tracks like 'Hedonism' and 'Picking on Me' showcase the band’s diverse style. Even after a decade, 'Stoosh' remains an enjoyable and compelling work.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Skunk Anansie
Skunk Anansie are a British rock band formed in London in 1994, fronted by vocalist Skin with Ace (guitar), Cass (bass), and Mark Richardson (drums). They rose to prominence in the 1990s with politically charged, hard-hitting alt-rock across Paranoid & Sunburnt, Stoosh, and Post Orgasmic Chill. After splitting in 2001, they reunited in 2009 and continue to release and tour.07 Reviews
