Skinner Brothers Ignite The Bodega

Phil Thorns
2 days ago
3 min read

Bodega - Nottingham– 19th November 2025

WORDS / IMAGES PHIL THORNS

Skinner Brothers Ignite The Bodega — Phil Thorns Photo Credit

Soul Boy and the SB Fam turn Nottingham’s indie hub into a sweaty, chaotic celebration of independence...

The Bodega, Nottingham’s intimate music venue, was packed to the rafters. Known for hosting breakthrough acts like The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys in their early days, it provided the perfect stage for The Skinner Brothers’ blend of swagger and chaos. The crowd was buzzing with anticipation, and the energy never dipped once the lights went down.

From the moment Zachary Charles Skinner, better known to his devoted followers as ‘Soul Boy’, took the stage, the room became a hot, sweaty cauldron of raw energy. The SB Fam were out in force, adoring and all-in, loving that they’ve found something different: a streak of rebellion, a fresh break from the mould. This was my third time seeing and reviewing them, and they just keep getting better. Their independence is everywhere, everything done in-house, right down to Zac’s wife Claira running the merch stall, no bloated entourage, no major-label gloss, a family operation that feels grassroots to the core

The Skinner Brothers’ music is hard to pin down, and that’s part of the thrill. It’s fluid punk, drum and bass, rock, and latterly infused with the influence of their collaboration with Ren. That partnership has expanded their reach, pulling in new followers who connect with the raw honesty of their sound.

On stage, the masks add mystique, said to focus the audience’s attention on the music rather than the individuals. Whether that works or not, the jury’s out, but it certainly adds to the spectacle.

The setlist was a journey through their catalogue, from terrace chants like ‘Away Days’ to one of my personal favourite’s, ‘Prawn Soup’ (Soul Boy 3), jagged and biting, a street anthem in full flight culminating in the chaotic closer ‘Off My Nut.’ But what made this night even more special was the inclusion of fresh material: ‘CTRL ALT DELETE’ from Sick Sick Soul Vol. 1 and the live debut of ‘Mark of the Beast.’

Support came first from SAHAJi, the Japanese brothers whose debut album ‘Don’t Touch My Soul’ drops on 28 November 2025. They’ve already featured on ‘Two’s On a Cigarette’ from Sick Sick Soul Vol. 1, a collaboration that ties them directly into the Skinner Brothers’ orbit.

Love Ghost followed with their LA alt-rock angst, blending grunge textures with emo rap urgency. Together, the supports added international flavour to the night, making it a collision of scenes and sounds.

The Skinner Brothers are breaking the mould. Independent and fiercely creative, they’re packing intimate venues with real energy whilst giving a poke in the eye to the big-band and venue establishments. The SB Fam adore them not just for the music but for the rebellion, the freshness, the sense that they’re part of something different. This night at The Bodega wasn’t just a gig, it was a grassroots movement in full swing. With Soul Boy at the helm, the SB Fam in full voice, and the Sick Sick Soul project pushing boundaries, The Skinner Brothers are proving that independence, rebellion, and passion can still pack a room to bursting. Catch them if you can!