Up-and-coming eclectic band The Skins show immense potential on their debut EP, Still Sleep.

Who are The Skins? The Skins are an up-and-coming pop, rock, hip-hop band signed to Republic. According to their Facebook, they formed in 2011.  Even so, they are just beginning their lucrative journey. Their debut EP Still Sleep follows a superb breakout single, “Bury Me,” featuring another up-and-comer, D.R.A.M.  Ultimately, Still Sleep shows the immense potential of the collective.

“I”  

“I” kicks off Still Sleep with attitude mad attitude.  The first hint the collective aren’t playing around is the intro: “Touching, teasing, take it, will keep on slipping, you my love.”  Following a playful first verse, the second verse grows profane, infusing some street savvy into the mix. The chorus is the selling point, even if the repetitive “Oh I-I, oh I-I” annoy after a few too many iterations.

“Bury Me

“Bury Me”, featuring D.R.A.M., is the main attraction – a slickly produced gem.  It kicks off with piano as the main accompaniment. A vocal synth in the background is a nice touch, while the drum programming on the hook is absolutely sick. The vocals are solid throughout the course of the record, based in the urban-pop vein. D.R.A.M. performs the second verse, complementing The Skins superbly. A catchy, if gimmicky chorus seals the deal: “Bury me (in yo yo yo, yo yo yo love).”

The best way to describe third track “Go Off” is feisty as…  “Go Off” features aggressive, hard-hitting production, embracing hip-hop to the fullest. The lyrics are raw to say the least, particularly the first verse:

“She in the club, askin’ me to feel her cl*t / I just laughed but I dropped them tips / and she pulled out Snapchat to record that shit / Nah, I can’t trust nobody plus I’m drunk…”

The only component of the track that is sung (and R&B-driven) is the chorus:

“And all the boys wanna see you showing out, go off / Go, go off, go, go off / And all the girls wanna see you break it down, go off / Go, go off, go, go off.” 

“Runaway”  

Penultimate joint “Runaway” returns to the urban contemporary sound, eschewing rap for singing.  Once more, The Skins deliver a respectable, enjoyable record, with the chorus highlighting. The production is top-notch, while the vocals are commanding, chocked-full of power.  “Stampede” caps things off superbly, keeping the energy on-point.

Final Thoughts

All in all, The Skins deliver the goods on their debut EP, Still Sleep.  Perhaps the band and the EP are incredibly underrated – few people know about them – but neither should be.  The Skins have a legit hit with “Bury Me” featuring the ever-lovable D.R.A.M., while the unapologetic “Go Off” and urban-centric “Runaway” are superb complements. No one should still be asleep after listening to Still Sleep.  

Gems: “Bury Me,” “Go Off” & “Runaway”

The Skins • Still Sleep EP • Republic • Release: 12.16.16

Photo Credit: Republic