It was 30 years ago that Skunk Anansie released their debut album “Paranoid And Sunburnt” which had two songs “Feed” and “Selling Jesus” on the soundtrack to the 1995 film Strange Days,the debut album also featured the massive single “Weak”.The band had huge success releasing three studio albums,winning numerous awards and also touring with bands such as U2,Lenny Kravitz and Aerosmith before they broke up in 2001.In 2009 they reformed, releasing a greatest hits album “Smashes & Trashes” with a tour in Europe. In 2010 they released their fourth album “Wonderlustre” and since then have released two more studio albums “Black Traffic” in 2012 and “Anarchytecture” in 2016 with extensive tour which included a 25^th anniversary tour in 2019.2025 brings the 7^th album “The Painful Truth”.

“Artist Is An Artist” is a catchy pop/punk track which opens the album in defiant fashion,a track which instantly grabs you.”This Not Your Life” has some synth and electronic/disco beats with groove which is a different direction musically that I associate to with Skunk Anansie,which works it's fresh,current and cool.”Shame” is a ballad style track which is full of emotion with great lyrics and song writing about family origins & identity.”Lost & Found” has a groovy deep bass which is the backbone of the track,with a simple effective key chord,with Skin delivering a soulful classy vocal.”Cheers” is a great rock song with modern edges with that trademark Skunk Anansie sound. With a reggae vibes and rocking out in the chorus “Shoulda Been You” is a interesting listen which grows on you after a few listens,which in the end is a standout track. A very electronica and keyboard led “Animal” allows Skin to flex her vocals.”Fell In Love” is a funky soulful track again lots of great synths and effects. “My Greatest Moment” is another electronica club sounding track with a rock twist.”Meltdown” a slower piano led track that brings this album to a conclusion with another great vocal performance.

“The Painful Truth” is great album,So many twists and turns regarding musical direction. Each track was surprising and a refreshing change listening wise. Skin has such a great pure voice,SkunkAnansie have always been a band which always evolve,making themselves still current. An album that you should not pass up on.