Dancing the night away: Skinny Lister

Skinny Lister

Skinny Lister: Live!

Skinny Lister you came, you played and Brighton partied with you! Music and rum flowed freely! Loved every sweat soaked second. A packed venue having a great time!

Members: Lorna Thomas , Daniel Heptinstall, Maxwell Thomas, Scott Milsom, Thom Mills and Sam Brace. They describe themselves as Folk / Punk / Pop. Yes, they are that- but so much more!

About:

Skinny Lister are not your average, modern day, gentrified English folk group. Fronted by Dan Heptinstall and Lorna Thomas; a vocalist with a lusty cackle and flirtatious presence, the London based six-piece hail from across England. Borrowing the nickname from the Lister family, pioneers in the use of anesthetic, the band have grown naturally and organically over the past two years. Yorkshire born songwriter Heptinstall, Lorna’s older brother Max, and long-time shanty singer Sam ‘Mule’ Brace, met some time ago at a folk club in London’s Greenwich area. The arrival of Scott Milsom on bass, and Thom Mills on drums, and the naturally exuberant Lorna lifted them into another realm.

Up on their stomping feet and clicking their heels, the Skinny Lister sound took hold as Dan’s perceptive ballads and folkie idylls were boosted by an eruption of a rambunctious free spirited rum fueled party music. Soon the Skinny Lister sound was charging down the nation’s canals and waterways, bursting into spontaneous song in pubs and clubs, kicking up a summer frenzy at numerous festivals.

The Gig and Set:

How on earth do I describe the Skinny Lister gig at The Haunt in Brighton? A show from these guys simply is a production like no other. I learned quickly however that a Skinny Lister show is a one bristling with energy and a touch of riot, a dash of punk edged folk, and topped off with a layer of rock. Their sound and presence really does defy an accurate definative description. Crikey! I had a go and I hope it conveys what Skinny Lister are about!

Skinny Lister took to the stage, and there was a lot of them! Taking into consideration the number of guitars, accordions, drum kit, double bass, squeeze box and I think a mandolin – it was tight up there. The crowd roared with delight as the band took to the stage, and I had to take a double take as I thought Dolph Lundgren, albeit a younger version, picked up an accordion! Lorna and Daniel shouted out “Brighton” and we were off…

Skinny Lister

Lorna is a fire cracker on stage, never stopping, at one point clutching a massive flask of rum, which got passed round the crowd. She bounced around The Haunt, her skirt twirling as she went, her bright red lipstick matched with equally bright red shoes! She also gave a shout out for Safe Gigs for Women, a group also supported by me, Scene Sussex and Media Works. Well done Lorna and a good shout!

Dan, up front and with his guitar delivered a rousing performance. He delivered a great vocal, some audience rousing and some fine banter with the crowd and other members of the band. A stunning musician to watch as he thrashed his mic’d up acoustic.

The Songs

We were given some old material and quite a few new songs from the new album – The Devil, The Heart, The Fight. But the set opened with “Wanted” and this was met with a cheer as the crowd surged up to the stage – no barriers in here tonight. Up close and personal. “Colours”, “Mariachi”, “Geordie Lad”, “Devil In Me” and “Cathy” were included in the set. The crowd seemed to know every word, even the newer material. “This is War” was a favourite among many of the songs played tonight, and was from their earlier album. The set had everyone up and jumping. This is how gigs are supposed to be and I loved every sweat soaked second.

A video!

Turn it up, open up the rum and enjoy a segue from the night!

Thank you Skinny Lister!

That was a night I will remember. I was a “newbie”, as was a lady in the crowd next to me. You got us both hooked, and I cant wait to see you again. I doubt it will be such a small venue in the future though! Astonishing night of music, character, musicianship and rum! You only had to look at the faces in the crowd to see how much everyone was enjoying the gig.

Skinny Lister are on Facebook

Skinny Lister on the web

Xtra Mile Recordings are on the web

Safe Gigs for Women on the web

Huge thanks and grats to Sonic PR, The Haunt and of course the awesome Skinny Lister!

Please note all images / video are copyright, please do not copy. If any of the featured artists/promoters/venues want copies of the images – or more if available – please just get in touch.

All original pictures – copyright to IANB/MEDIA WORKS/ SCENE SUSSEX – Ian “The Lens” Bourn 2017.

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