ALBUM REVIEW: Skinny Lister – Shanty Punk (Xtra Mile Recordings)
Brighton folk-punks Skinny Lister are back with their sixth long-player and it’s a concept album that’s all about themselves.
Described by frontman Dan Heptinstall as “a pure distillation of what makes Skinny Lister tick,” it’s a look back at their journey to date.
The six-piece have been around since 2009, and their live shows are the stuff of legend – drunken nights full of singing, dancing and shared communal experiences, with red-shoed singer Lorna Thomas the rabble-rouser in chief.
Here, they try to bottle some of that and bring it to record, and they largely succeed, delving deeper into their folk beginnings while retaining their infectious punk-influenced energy.
Its 11 tracks are full of chest-thumping anthems, singalong shanties and references to their story so far, from the Pogues-like Arm Wrestling In Dresden (when Dan got in over his head in a bar in Germany) to Pittsburgh Punch-Up (when the band hired the wrong driver for a US tour).
Battle anthem
The album kicks off with the rhythmic sea shanty Haul & Bale, and it’s followed by the uplifting Unto The Breach, which could be viewed as something of a battle anthem for the band.
Lead single Company Of The Bar is a joyous knees-up fusing three themes which have inspired many a Skinny Lister song – drinking, travelling, and the sea – while there’s a stomping shanty in 13 Miles which will go down a storm live.
Down On The Barrier is already a live favourite, with an infectious chorus that’s begging to be hollered back at the band.
There’s always room for a change in pace, such as the lovely Lorna Heptinstall-led Mantra and album closer Broken, Bruised & Battered, and my only complaint is that she doesn’t sing more lead vocals on this record, as her voice has a silky, comforting quality.
Party George – Lorna and Max’s dad, who’s become a cult figure among fans, joining the band onstage on occasion – even makes an appearance, singing his self-penned folk ditty William Harker.
Shanty Punk is the most Skinny Lister-like album in a few years, going back to basics in a manner they haven’t since their 2012 debut Forge & Flagon.
The experimentation of recent albums is gone, and they concentrate on what they do best – heartfelt (and at times rowdy) folk-punk. 8/10.
Skinny Lister are a band best experienced live, and you can catch them a UK tour throughout November and December. Click HERE for the dates.
