Skinner is the moniker of Dublin-based multi-instrumentalist Aaron Smyth, a key figure in the vibrant Irish post-punk scene that emerged in the late 2010s. Unlike many of his contemporaries who lean into gothic or industrial textures, Skinner draws heavily from the DNA of No Wave and 2000s dance-punk.
His sound is characterized by a 'DIY' ethos, often handling much of the production and instrumentation himself, which results in a cohesive but delightfully unpolished aesthetic. His work is defined by the prominent use of saxophone as a lead rhythmic instrument rather than a melodic one, echoing the influence of James Chance or The Contortions. Critically, he is noted for his ability to blend the aggression of punk with the syncopation of disco and funk, making him a bridge between the 'Windmill' scene in London and the DIY spaces of Dublin. His 2021 collection 'Gunge' solidified his reputation for high-energy, socially observant songwriting that captures the claustrophobia and dark humor of modern urban life.
Shares post-punk, no wave (subgenres); restless, defiant, playful (moods)
Shares restless, defiant, playful (moods); post-punk, no wave (subgenres)
Shares post-punk, no wave, noise rock (subgenres); deadpan, spoken_word, intense (vocal style)
Shares post-punk, no wave (subgenres); lo_fi, noise_textured, dry_intimate (production style)
Shares lo_fi, noise_textured, dry_intimate (production style); restless, defiant, playful (moods)
Shares noise_textured, lo_fi, dry_intimate (production style); deadpan, spoken_word, intense (vocal style)
Shares post-punk, no wave, noise rock (subgenres); basement_show, urban_night, dive_bar (atmosphere)
Shares lo_fi, noise_textured, dry_intimate (production style); deadpan, spoken_word, intense (vocal style)
Shares post-punk, noise rock (subgenres); deadpan, spoken_word, intense (vocal style)
Shares skronking saxophone stabs, no wave, saxophone, noise rock (detail)
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