Skinny Lister
Album: Down On Deptford Broadway'
Label: Xtra Mile
Tracks: 12
Website: http://www.skinnylister.com

When Skinny Lister appeared in 2012 with debut album Forge & Flagon it was difficult to tell whether they were taking the piss or not. The album was great fun but the blend of traditional lyrics and punkified tunes at times came across as part parody, part pastiche. No such bother on sophomore effort 'Down On Deptford Broadway' though; this is the sound of a band who have found their own sound with aplomb!

Renowned as one of the hardest working bands on the circuit Skinny Lister have got the blend of folk and punk spot on with raucous songs like 'George's Glass' and the drunken sway of 'Six Whiskies'. Touring with bands such as The Dropkick Murphys has clearly rubbed off on the band and they're now more impactive, much tighter and a force to be reckoned with.

Happily though, the time spent on the other side of the Atlantic hasn't led to Americanisation of the Skinny Lister sound.. Down in Deptford Broadway is gloriously English and echoes the likes of Dexys Midnight Runners at their rabble-rousing best. Listen to 'This Is War' if you want to hear the biggest set of Woaaaah's since Geno!

Of the traditional folk-style tracks, opening track 'Raise A Wreck' is a monstrous stomp of an opener that succeeds as a nod to Cornish sea-shanties where questions were asked of 'If The Gaff Don't Let Us Down' on 'Forge & Flaggon'. The tenderness of 'Bonny Away' is a new but ultimately welcome addition to the band's repertoire as well. It's a brilliantly recognised stab at trad' folk and utilises the full range of singer Lorna Thomas's vocals to startling effect.

You want great big pop singles though? Skinny Lister can give you great big pop singles! 'Trouble On Oxford Street' is a bonafide dancefloor-bothering anthem that should win the band a whole host of new fans just on its own. It's every bit as good as anything the current glut of American folk-punk bands have mustered in the last 5 years and deserves to be front of house at festivals all summer long.

'Down On Deptford Broadway' represents a band that has finally found its signature sound with joyous abandon and wants to share it for the entire world to hear. Quite frankly the world needs to listen because Skinny Lister are fast becoming one of the most exciting acts these shores have to offer. Now where did I leave that flagon of rum…..?

Rob Fearnley