Steel 'N' Skin were something special: an Afro-Caribbean workshop band based in 1970s London, founded by Peter Blackman, featuring ex-members of 20th Century Steel Band (famously Grandmaster Flash's favorite). Comprised of young nightclub musicians born in Ghana, Nigeria, St. Kitts, Trinidad and the UK, the group gave concerts and workshops in London schools, expanding nationwide to prisons, psychiatric hospitals and summer festivals. This wasn't social work disguised as music or music disguised as social work—it was genuine community outreach powered by an admirably brave, open and unironic mix of musical forms, untainted by preachiness or cynicism.

The music itself is a relentless groove machine: gratifyingly intricate African ritual rhythms and strong vocals complement reggae, funk, disco and soul influences, all held together by the shimmering metallic beauty of steel pan. This EM reissue collects their 1979 debut 12" single "Reggae Is Here Once Again," featuring the fine disco-dub workout "Afro Punk Reggae (Dub)," plus two tracks from their 1984 LP Acid Rain and one previously unissued track. The range is remarkable—from straight-ahead disco grooves to dubbed-out experiments, from tight ensemble playing to loose, exploratory jams. Throughout, the steel pans provide both melody and rhythm, their crystalline tones cutting through the dense arrangements.

The included documentary DVD by Steve Shaw is essential viewing, featuring perceptive commentary from founder Peter Blackman, killer live and rehearsal footage, workshop scenes, and devastating views of inner-city Liverpool that provide crucial context for understanding Steel 'N' Skin's mission. The 34-minute film captures a moment when music could still function as genuine social glue, bringing together diverse communities through shared rhythm and collective creation. With liner notes by Blackman, rare photos, and English/Japanese text, this package documents a band whose ambitions—musical, social, political—were inseparable and equally important.