Skinny Lister // THE 1865, Southampton
Skinny Lister Bring Their Folk-Punk Party Back to Southampton
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Skinny Lister PERFORMING AT THE 1865, SOUTHAMPTON
PHOTOCREDIT: CALLUM LINKLATER
Skinny Lister are known for their high-energy folk-punk rowdiness. For anyone unfamiliar, the closest comparison is probably the Pogues.
It’s always nice catching Skinny Lister live, especially since they were the first band I ever saw with my dad about nine years ago seeing them has almost become a festive tradition normally catching them at this point in the year .As the band took to the stage, ‘Yorkshire Belle’ from their new album Songs From the Yonder played over the speakers before they thrashed into ‘Wanted’, kickstarting the rowdiness early on.
As is Skinny’s tradition, fans were invited to take a swig from their whiskey-topped flagon. This time donning a Go-Pro as those in the crowd got the chance to feature in an upcoming music video for the aptly titled ‘Drinking Song’. I didn’t partake, mostly because I considered myself ‘working’ or just didn’t want to risk getting ill this close to Christmas.
Alas the band gave the crowd an opportunity to shout out song suggestions even inviting two people up on stage to sing sea shanty ‘Damn the Amsterdam’ with them. Whilst later on Lorna challenged the room to an arm wrestle match. Something I’ve always appreciated about the band is that they never shy away from a party. The accordionist was often leaning into the crowd shouting encouragement, while the double-bass player raises his instrument above his head.
Despite Lorna admitting she’d lost her voice just days before, the band were still full of energy, bouncing off the audience from start to finish. Wrapping up the encore with ‘Six Whiskeys,’ inviting both support acts The Vandoliers and Claudia Kate to join them creating an atmosphere of togetherness as the whole room sang to one another.
Before I conclude, I must say that I feel the Vandoliers especially were one of the best supports for Skinny Lister as of recent. Their songs and stage presence matched that pirate shanty party feeling Skinny Lister are known for!
REVIEW + PHOTOS BY: CALLUM LINKLATER