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Still a Feisty Pain in the Arse... Skunk Anansie Talk to Stereoboard
Tuesday, 12 October 2010 Written by Rob Sleigh


Most would agree that there has been no shortage of band reunions within the past couple of years – some were long-awaited, while others were long-forgotten. Even more recently, a number of fondly-remembered ‘90s Brit rock acts have added themselves to the ever-growing list – Cast, Shed Seven and, of course, Blur to name a few. Now all we need is Sleeper, Elastica and Pulp and the collection will be complete. A short while ago, one of the more unexpected, though equally appreciated, reformed bands joined the great return – or should that be Slight Return? That band was Skunk Anansie.

It’s been nine years since the London-based four-piece parted ways and they’re back with their new album ‘Wonderlustre’. Drummer Mark Richardson tells Stereoboard that, after originally reforming last year for a Greatest Hits tour, he and the others just couldn’t resist giving it another go: “We had so much fun being a band again that we decided to carry on. We were sat around having dinner and we decided to write a new record.”

In 2001, two years after the release of their third album ‘Post Orgasmic Chill’, Skunk Anansie decided to call it a day. “We burnt out,” says Mark. “We worked very hard to achieve what we did but didn't understand about the need to rest. It's different now, we've learnt from that mistake.” Mark, who joined Feeder for seven of the following eight years, explains that 2009 seemed like the right time for a reunion. “Everyone was ready, mentally, for the journey and made the choice to do it. We had to make sure we were all on the same page first.”

Naturally, the group were delighted to discover that they hadn’t been forgotten. “It was a humbling experience, having been away so long and coming back to a sold-out tour. The YouTube phenomena kept us alive whilst we were away and introduced us to a whole new, younger audience, as well as having the faithful hardcore.” The success of the tour made things easier when the question of whether to carry on arose. “I think it helped the decision. That said, we wouldn't have stayed together if we didn't get on. When we realised we still had that solid friendship, it was easy.”

ImageOne year on and things within the band are as good as before. “We are stronger as a unit. We have more respect, tolerance and love for one another and we communicate better than ever. We're still a feisty pain in the arse when we want to be though. Just ask our manager.” However, upon making the new album, Mark discovered that the record industry was not the same one they had left behind. “It's unrecognisable due to the lack of money created by the illegal download phenomenon. Big labels are a dying breed and soon there will only be small independents left, who survive because they are willing to do things differently and look at the industry as it is. We believe that this huge shake-up is long overdue and I, for one, am glad of it.”

Although this may be the same Skunk Anansie, Mark admits that they decided to approach the album in a different way than before: “We set up in a circle and wrote the whole album facing each other and throwing ideas into the pot. Whereas before, there were a few different ways that we achieved a full album’s worth of material.” The end result came out sounding somewhat different to the rage-ridden heavy rock of their previous efforts, such as debut album ‘Paranoid and Sunburnt’. “We are all ten years older than when we wrote 'Post Orgasmic Chill' and that does have an impact. We sat down and made a conscious choice about who we are now and what we wanted to be. What we did not want to do was try to be the Skunk Anansie of the '90s and try to recapture that. We are all confident, strong willed people that had the courage to decide to move on and be something new. We don't need to dwell on the past.” He offers a description of the band’s new sound on ‘Wonderlustre’: “Something lush and emotional yet surprising and left of centre that stands out above the rest.”

Despite the slight change in direction, the album is already starting to receive some good press. However, Mark argues that the critical reception of the album is of little importance to them as a band: “We know we have written a great record because we write for us and we love it. That's the only barometer any artist should ever work by because as soon as you try to please others, you start to water down the true essence of what you are at the core.”

This summer, Skunk Anansie played at over 40 festivals, including Sonisphere at Knebworth. Now they are getting ready for a brand new UK tour next month, which will introduce ‘Wonderlustre’ to the home crowds. “We have a new vibe, a new stage show, a new set list and, of course, the usual energy that we are known for.” Old school fans will be pleased to hear that, after four albums, they won’t be forgetting the favourites. “We'll be playing for a bit longer from now on. We've always thought an hour is long enough, but we just can't fit everything into sixty minutes any more.”

The big question is: is this it? Fortunately, Mark confirms that Skunk Anansie aren’t going to disappear again just yet. “We are here to stay.” So what’s next? He can’t say exactly, but admits that he’s enjoying the current state of things. “It’s an old saying that rings truest. It's the journey not the destination that matters. We know we can deliver on stage every night. That is who we are. We just have to remember to stop and smell the roses on the way.”

‘Wonderlustre’ is out now.

Skunk Anansie will tour the UK in November at the following venues:

Manchester Academy Saturday, 13 Nov 2010
O2 Academy Newcastle Sunday, 14 Nov 2010
O2 Academy Glasgow Monday, 15 Nov 2010
Nottingham Rock City Wednesday, 17 Nov 2010
O2 Academy Sheffield Thursday, 18 Nov 2010
O2 Academy Leeds Friday, 19 Nov 2010
O2 Academy Bournemouth Sunday, 21 Nov 2010
O2 Academy Bristol Monday, 22 Nov 2010
O2 Academy Birmingham Tuesday, 23 Nov 2010
Norwich U.E.A. Thursday, 25 Nov 2010
O2 Academy Brixton Friday, 26 Nov 2010

Skunk Anansie tickets are onsale now.

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