Skegss – Rehearsal

“This is no Rehearsal”

The second full length album marks a turn for the Byron band. From surf rock to westerns, Skegss aren’t messing around; they’ve nailed it in ‘Rehearsal‘.

‘Down to Ride’ is the classic slacker surf rock song we’ve come to love from Skegss (and have always needed). The title track was born from lead singer Ben Reed’s frequent truancy from work due to gigging. Worried about losing his job at a brewery, Reed confided in a customer who’s response: “Do it. This is no rehearsal” inspiring the song and summarising perfectly the Skegss ethos: Roll the dice, roll with the punches, and you’ll make it out on top.

‘Bush TV’ is where it really hit me. Aussie slang for a campfire, the fourth track from ‘Rehearsal‘ slaps harder than the bottom of a hot thong on your heel in summer – something I, as an Aussie expat am especially nostalgic for as I stare out at the sprawling grey cityscape today.

Right on cue, rhythmic guitar and a hint of harmonica forced my hand in grabbing a beer to enjoy a drink to ‘Picturesque Moment’, a country-esque song about slowing down and taking care of yourself.

Skegss go on to weave pure magic into ‘Sip of Wine’, mixing genres of a cowboy Western with their signature garage rock. There’s hints of American skate punks FIDLAR in the drawly lyrics that use a bottle of wine as a metaphor for love.  ‘Cure my Happiness’ continues the theme, but this time as an anthem for self-acceptance and reassurance.

‘Rehearsal‘ has proven Skegss’ continued growth as a band, sonically and lyrically. Each track on ‘Rehearsal‘ instils premonitions of the swirling mosh pits to come, the songs varied in genre but unified by sheer brilliance. In the meantime, I’ll have this album on repeat.

Nikki de Ruijter