Folk-punk outfit Skinny Lister releases their sixth album, Shanty Punk, reflecting the band’s journey to their present circumstances.
Frontman Dan Hepinstall explains, “‘Shanty Punk’ is our concept album – and the concept is Skinny Lister. It’s a pure distillation of what makes Skinny Lister tick and perhaps a collection of songs that leans further into our folky routes than we’ve ventured in some years. It felt to us like it was time to chat and celebrate the essence of the band while at the same time – giving it a fresh and dynamic feel.”
Written and recorded by Skinny Lister, Shanty Punk was mixed by Patrick Phillips and Daniel Heptinstall and mastered at Abbey Road Studios by Frank Arkwright. Comprising 11 tracks, the album begins with “Haul and Bale,” a fitting opener full of braying accordion flavours and fiddles, riding a mid-tempo rhythm topped by layers of vocal harmonies. As the harmonics expand, the song has a thick, glowing resonance.
Highlights include “Company of the Bar,” travelling on a rollicking rhythm as Hepinstall’s raucous vocals imbue the lyrics with evocative energy, then escalating to a fat chorus brimming with gang-like harmonies.
“Mantra” features the deliciously country-flavoured voice of Lorna Thomas, whose delicate yet penetrating vocals give the lyrics an upbeat, reflective mood. “Make it a mantra, make it a habit / To recognize what you have while you have it.”
A personal favourite because of its distinctive punk elements, “Down on the Barrier” surges forward on a rumbling, dynamic rhythm as Heppinstall’s voice injects the lyrics with buoyant timbres, culminating in brilliant woah-oahs. “Pittsburgh Punchup” allows Lorna Thomas to strut the range of her voice, infusing the lyrics with rowdy tones as full-sized harmonies provide boisterous accents, emphasizing the effervescence of the tune.
With its balladic feel, the folksy “Broken, Bruised & Battered” showcases the power of Loran Thomas’ vocals, soaring over the crunching rhythm and glittering banjo surfaces. Once again, luscious vocal harmonies give the song a ringing dimension and depth.
Drenched in Celtic folk punk tangs, Shanty Punk sees Skinny Lister returning to what they excel at – vibrant sing-along shanty music.
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