Hailing from a town called Portlaoise in the Midlands of Ireland, Perfect Skins came together in 1998 with a view to writing and recording albums together. After getting a set together the four-piece started gigging around the country. Their ability to turn their gigs into a party atmosphere quickly earned them a loyal fanbase which grew as they toured the country.

In 2004 they released their debut self-produced and financed album 'Superhero' which received many fine reviews as did their live shows. The lead single from the album 'Come Together' reached no.26 in the Irish charts and received considerable Irish airplay. The band also made a number of appearances on national television. The album was voted 'Best Album' by new artist in the 'Irish Indie Out There Awards'.

The band set about writing the follow up album in 2006. All gigs and public appearances were kept to a minimum for the last two years to allow them more time to fine tune their latest offering and it has paid off. The songs on the new album A Reconstructed View are well crafted and given the optimal musical accompaniment.

Lots of things have changed in the Perfect Skins camp since with new arrivals of the human kind competing for centre stage. It can't be easy holding down day jobs to make ends meet and trying at the same time to create a seminal piece of work but the Skins are probably luckier than most having the luxury of their own recording studio.

Talking to band member Dick Duff however one could detect an eagerness to get back to the live circuit and give these new songs the full live treatment as the Skins do best. And getting out there and playing live is the icing on the cake for the band. Although they may have many hours on their respective clocks having existed in many previous incarnations including the Mere Mortals and the Products there is still a youthful enthusiasm and indomitable spirit and eagerness to succeed.

However success will be on their own terms as the Skins maintain control of their destiny handling all aspects of the business from recording to distribution. Their 'can do' attitude means website design, myspace pages, band posters etc are tasks that they willingly take on board.

One wonders what drives these four Skins then to continue in the music business but spend a little time in their company and you are struck by their sense of humour and self depreciation. Reports of their annual mystery tour confirms that a sense of fun comes high on their agenda.

The title of the Skins new album is "A Reconstructed View". Twelve original songs penned by the band have made it on to the album. This new album sees the Skins explore new territory in terms of sound and lyrical content.

There is an honesty and integrity to this offering that seeps into your being and grows in stature with repeated listens. It's never easy to cultivate new ground and the Skins should be commended for sticking to the task. A quick look at the song titles gives you an indication of the topics being explored here and while serious issues of loneliness, homelessness and exploits of the mind are grappled with the upbeat nature of the music leaves you in a positive and uplifted mood.