ALBUM REVIEW: Skinny Lister – Songs From The Yonder (Xtra Mile Recordings)
Folk-punk roustabouts Skinny Lister are back with their seventh studio album, which picks up where their last one left off.
Since their 2012 debut Forge & Flagon, they have graced us with a new album roughly every two years, despite having a heavy live touring schedule, and if anything they’re becoming more prolific, as it’s only 18 months since Shanty Punk (reviewed here).
As well as the upbeat drinking songs and shanty style sing-alongs which the London-based five-piece have become known for, this time they’ve slipped in a few more tender moments too.
Our first taste of the album came at the end of last year, in the shape of the swaggering drinking song Set Us Straight. It’s in good company, as there’s a few more tracks which will set the pulses racing and get the dancefloor moving.
Many were recorded live, and left unedited, in an attempt to capture the band’s live energy. Opening song Yorkshire Belle (about a pleasure cruiser, rather than a woman) is just such an typical accordion-driven stomper, and it’s followed by the aforementioned Set Us Straight.
Title track Song From The Yonder has a real warm nostalgic feel to it, while rousing single Plough On – whose uplifting melody is ‘borrowed’ from traditional folk tune Speed The Plough – carries a message of positivity about weathering life’s storms and enjoying good times again.
Lorna takes lead vocals for the contemplative Tumbling Into Something, which has real Kirsty MacColl vibes as well as a lovely piano motif running throughout, but before long we’re back to foot-stomping territory again with Bristol Bound and Drinking Song.
There’s another departure with Everything, a heartfelt sentimental duet between vocalists and real-life couple Dan Heptinstall and Lorna Thomas.
Back Into The Battle and Brave The Waves hoist the flag to full sail once more, before Glass To Our Days – another Lorna-led ballad – leaves us with a comforting glow. I can see it being a great live closer, with its gentle melody making it an ideal counterweight to all the chest-thumping which has gone before.
Songs From The Yonder is business as usual for Skinny Lister, who will most likely be at a venue near you before long. In the meantime, you’d better get learning these songs for a good old singalong. 8/10.
