“Shanty Punk” almost doesn’t need reviewing. Its name tells you all you need to know. It’s the sound that Skinny Lister has crafted for nearly 15 years.
Frontman Dan Hepinstall (who noticeably handles more of the vocals here than usual, with Lorna Thomas only singing a handful) believes it’s the “distillation of everything that makes Skinny Lister tick,” and listening to “Haul And Bale,” it’s hard to disagree. A proper shanty. It is folkier than recent releases, perhaps?
The absence of key members Sam Brace and Thom Mills seems to have injected a raw and authentic quality into the album. “Unto The Breach” exemplifies a gang-like spirit that’s infectious. Songs like “Company Of The Bar” and “Mantra” add a lively, upbeat atmosphere to the album, with “Mantra” echoing a Beans On Toast vibe.
“13 Miles” is a timeless gem reminiscent of the Young’uns, and “Down on the Barrier” feels tailor-made for live performances. “Arm Wrestling In Dresden” and “Punch Up In Pittsburgh” offer raucous, boozy energy that Skinny Lister thrives on.
“Forge On Georgia” encourages raising a toast to the good times, and “William Harker” brings back the vivacious live spirit with “Party George” (Max and Lorna’s dad) reprising his memorable live performance (don’t offer them an Ansells, basically) Lorna leads the anthem to stoicism with “Broken, Bruised, And Battered.”
My first taste of the band was in an incredible gig in a small pub in Birmingham pre-pandemic. It was one of those nights where sweat ran down the walls and the drinks were flowing. From memory, they even passed around a jug that the audience (if they weren’t teetotal like me) took a swig from.
I’ve long wished that the band could bottle the sound from that night. With “Shanty Punk,” they’ve come as close as any album has since to doing just that.
Rating 8.5/10
