In 1999, the British rock band Skunk Anansie headlined the last Glastonbury Festival of the 20th century. This now seems particularly fitting for a band whose music helped shape the 90’s as the outsiders retort to Brit Pop.
Many of the band’s songs are political; drawing on their frontwoman ‘Skin’s’ (Deborah Dyer) formative years in Brixton. For me, however, she is at her most powerful when detailing bad relationships: take ‘Weak’ for example or ‘Hedonism’ (Just Because You Feel Good).’
The latter contains the brilliant line ‘I hope your feeling happy now’ – bitterness masquerading as caring concern.
The following performance showcases why ‘Skin’ is one of Britain’s greatest vocalists. It’s such an effortless display of vocal range and power that never sacrifices emotional vulnerability.
