AFTER claiming they are one of the best live bands in the UK, raging rockers Skunk Anansie had a lot to live up to as they played Bristol’s O2 Academy on Monday night.

And boy oh boy, did they manage to maintain their reputation after putting on not just a gig which not only featured some of the strongest, bravest and astounding female vocals ever but was also one of the most entertaining and impressive shows you are likely to see.

No sooner had lead singer Skin made her entrance on stage dressed head to toe in trademark black with ripped leggings and a spiked jacket, did the hot and sweaty packed out crowd go wild with anticipation.

Running around the stage with more energy than my six-year-old, the renowned angry feminist looked ready to go a few rounds in the ring so psyched for this performance she obviously was.

I have never known any singer put so much of herself into each and every song, from the unbaiting Yes It’s f@*&ing Political to the fast-paced new tune Sad, Sad, Sad and the call to chaos Tear the Place Up.

But Skin is not just about shouting and bellowing, as her sweet-sounding speaking voice reveals. She has sublime vocals which were displayed in equally impressive measures in less invasive numbers such as the 2012 beautiful song I Believed in You and one of their biggest hits of the nineties, Hedonism (just because you feel good).

Reaching higher notes than you would think are humanly possible, Skin’s endlessly energetic performance was made even more dumbfounding when she not only crowd-surfed and managed to keep singing flawlessly but when she also walked over the hands of a starstruck audience.

Weak gave her the chance to shine even more in a concert where the raucous crowd really only eyes for one woman. This was an awesome gig and makes Skunk Anansie an absolute must see for any live music lover.