ALBUM REVIEW: “Songs from the Yonder” by Skinny Lister
Tomorrow is a very special day. Yes it’s Friday and the end of the working week and the gateway to the weekend, but tomorrow is extra special – It’s Skinny Lister day, as their latest album “Songs from the Yonder” is released.
Formed in 2009, Skinny Lister are Dan Heptinstall (vocals and guitar), Lorna Thomas (vocals), Max Thomas (vocals, mandolin and melodeon), Scott Milson (double bass and vocals) and Tim Hillsdon (drums). They have long been making waves with their irrepressible energy, at the forefront of the shanty folk punk scene, and gaining a reputation as one of the best live bands out there. They released their debut album “Forge & Flagon” in 2012, followed by the critically acclaimed “Down on Deptford Broadway in 2014). They’ve released 6 studio albums ahead of tomorrows release of “Songs from the Yonder”.
Picking up where “Shanty Punk” left off, “Songs from the Yonder” sees the band revelling in some nostalgic songs whilst facing the future with wide optimistic eyes. On first listening through I realised that this new album is one of those rare offerings, which is packed full of sentiments such as love, and optimism. The core of the album returns to their folk punk roots and has some wonderful tender moments, but the classic themes of the sea, travel and drinking remain high on the agenda !
The album opens with Yorkshire Belle a rousing shanty track. Having previously written about The Amsterdam and the Lynmouth overland lifeboat rescue, this one is a sentimental look back to their youth and time spent in the seaside town of Bridlington. The Yorkshire Belle transported holiday makers along the coast to Flamborough Head and back in Skinny Lister’s familiar and well-honed shanty punk sound. Both Tumbling Into Something and Everything are the more subdued moments on the record, but follow those same hopeful themes.
Set Us Straight and Drinking Song are just that, and deliver in bucketloads, driving tracks with a tap along beat that just wants to be sung along to with flagons of ale overflowing, tracks definitely to look out for in future live sets !
The title track Song from the Yonder is a real highlight, and is where the vocals really shine, Dan and Laura’s vocals complimenting each other perfectly. Its delivered in the form of a conversational vocal, something they explored with George’s Glass on “Down on Deptford Boardway”. The video for Song from the Yonder is split screen with Dan and Laura in different locations) and certainly inspires memories of the classic Shane and Kirsty moments. The lyrics are about moving beyond petty disagreements, about putting things in perspective and embracing the things that actually connect us.
Tumbling Into Something is a welcome respite from the mayhem for a brief time, with Laura’s silky, mellow vocals carrying you off like a soft breeze. It’s a s beautiful just like the track Bonny Away from “Down on Deptford Broadway”. A song of love and hope. It’s followed by Bristol Bound which is classic Skinny ! Starting with a tub thumping beat as they shout out the lyrics. A track about the return to their home port, the Avon calling and home sweet home. It’s a real highlight, amongst many.
The album ends appropriately with a celebratory drinking song in Glass to our Day where again Laura provides the leading vocals. It’s a laid back, reflective song about life and love and friendship It has a similar feel to the delightful Embers from “A Matter of Life and Love” (2021). With lines like “Let us Dance and be merry, no more battles left to face”. Inspiring stuff.
“Songs from the Yonder” is very much a Skinny Lister album, rammed full of their signature style of vibrant sing-along shanty music, and earthy, honest folk musings, all mixed with a pinch of that punk attitude. But “Songs from the Yonder” is so much more, a mature that takes the nostalgic influences and does them proud, but uses that style to craft something magical. An album all about pride, love, passion and hope…… An album packed with optimism about life and love.
A joy to listen to again, and again, and again. A thoroughly well deserved 9.5 from LiveWire Music.
“Songs from the Yonder” is available to order from the Skinny Lister website HERE.
