Crammed into The Bodega on Thursday, it was an experience we’ll be talking about for years to come!
Nottingham’s iconic live music venue, The Bodega, played host to the electrifying Skinner Brothers, delivering an unforgettable show that perfectly captured the essence of their raw, defiant energy.
Situated in the heart of the city, The Bodega has been a cornerstone of Nottingham’s music scene since the late 1990s, nurturing upcoming bands and hosting legendary indie acts such as The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys in their early days. Known for its intimate vibe and impeccable sound, it proved to be the perfect stage for The Skinner Brothers‘ unique brand of chaos.
Led by charismatic frontman Zac Skinner, they have been carving their own path in the British music scene since forming in 2018. I first caught them at Mosfest back in 2023 when they blew me away with their music and passion. The lineup has changed through the years and now they are mysteriously known #46 on bass, #47 on drums, Unit on lead guitar and a mysterious character known as the Buzzard prowling around the stage recording events, manning the decks and generally encouraging mayhem.
Hailing from London but now based in Manchester, the band blends sharp lyricism with gritty guitar riffs, drawing comparisons to Britpop greats like Oasis and Arctic Monkeys while channelling the ferocity of punk, ska, grime and modern-day indie. A potent, heady mix that will grab your senses.
From the moment the band took the stage, the room erupted into chaos. The Skinner Brothers specialize in anthemic, rebellious tracks that resonate deeply with their cult-like fanbase, and the packed crowd at The Bodega was ready to prove it. Their music blends high-octane rock with moments of swaggering groove, creating the perfect atmosphere for fans to lose themselves in the energy.
Tracks like ‘Nothing But an Actor’, ‘Mark of the Beast’ and ‘Away Days’ ignited wild singalongs, whilst my own personal favourite, ‘Prawn Soup’, really got the crowd bouncing and showcased the band’s versatility.
The highlight of the night came when the band launched into their fan-favourite ‘Culture Non-Stop’—a scalding critique of modern life set to a relentless beat. The floor became one massive mosh pit, with fans pin-balling around, sweating, and chanting every word like a battle cry.
Clearly, The Skinner Brothers’ fanbase is like no other. Loyal, passionate, and slightly unhinged in the best way possible, they descended upon The Bodega like a tribe with the crowd embodying the same unapologetic attitude the band radiates, proud to be different and independent. It’s clear that The Skinner Brothers don’t just play music; they forge connections with their audience, creating a community that thrives on rebellion and camaraderie.
The Skinner Brothers’ show at The Bodega wasn’t just a gig; it was a masterclass in what live music should be. From the ferocious mosh pits to the deafening singalongs, the band proved why they’re one of the most exciting live acts in the UK right now. With their unique sound, undeniable charisma, and a growing legion of dedicated fans, The Skinner Brothers are cementing their place as a force to be reckoned with in the modern music scene and it won’t be long until they burst onto the main stage.
For those lucky enough to be crammed into The Bodega’s sweaty, beer-soaked room on Thursday, it was an experience they’ll be talking about for years to come. If you get the chance to see The Skinner Brothers live don’t even think about it, just go!
Currently on their Soul Boy IV Tour, they’ll play Manchester at The Deaf Institute on Thu 5th Dec and Liverpool at Kazimier Stockroom on Sat 7th Dec.
Skinner Brothers Albums:
- Soul Boy Vol. 1 (2020): Features tracks like Mountain High and Away Days. This debut album established their distinct indie-rock sound
- Soul Boy II (2022): Includes fan favorites such as Put Me Down as a Maybe and Low, which showcase the band’s evolving style
- Soul Boy III (2023): Tracks like Death from Above and Chillin’ in the Kitchen reflect their raw, genre-mixing vibe
- Soul Boy IV (2024): 18 tracks, including No JK, XI Bully, Prawn Soup, Away Days and Mark of the Beast
Main Photo Credit / All Photos: PHIL THORNS
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