Skanky Combo is a five-piece French band presenting their second full-length album, 'Locked Up In Love'.
By Jah Rebel
While their sound may not break new ground, lovers of classic rocksteady will feel right at home with this outfit from Nantes.
For this release, core members Thomas Allain (guitar and vocals), Clément Beudin (keys), Félicien David (sax and flute), Florian Jouis (bass), and Gilles Marfaing (drums) were joined by guest horn players Benjamin Lever (trombone) and Aurélien Bucco (trumpet). The recordings took place at the iconic Le Garage Hermétique in Nantes, with producer and sound engineer Albert Milauchian at the controls.
The band also brought in a few guest vocalists: the Jamaica-born, France-based Miss Kocoa lends her voice to ‘Choop Choop’, while fellow Jamaican expat Anthony John features on both ‘I’m On The Top’ and the album’s closer ‘Secrets Of A Woman’.
While love in all its forms runs as a clear thematic thread through the album, Skanky Combo make a joyful detour on ‘Here We Come Again (We Gonna Play Rocksteady)’, celebrating the release itself with a spirited tribute to the genre.
Thoroughly enjoyable French rocksteady release that stays true to its roots.
Founder alongside Jah Shakespear who transitioned to this role in late 2014. Previously worked as critic and reporter, balancing passions for music and Haile Selassie spirituality.
June 4, 2025