Skinny Lister Concert Review-Fingerprints Record Store-Long Beach, CA-4/9/12

Riding a wave of positive buzz from their recent South by Southwest appearance, Skinny Lister stopped into Fingerprints Records for an in-store show before their gig at Alex's Bar in Long Beach. The five piece band from London plays their own infectious brand of English pub rock. Much of their press to date has penned them as a cross between Mumford & Sons and The Pogues. This is a fair comparison but make no mistake they have their own distinct sound. They played songs from both their Grand Union (2010) and Home Made Tour (2010) EP's and also previewed songs from their new album Forge & Flagon due to be released June 4th. Below is a link to their video for "If The Gaff Don't Let Us Down" the B-Side of their single "Plough & Orion."

The band consist of Daniel Heptinstall (vocals/guitar), Lorna Thomas (vocals/ukulele), Sam Brace (vocals/guitar/concertina), Maxwell Thomas (vocals/melodeon/mandolin) and Dan Gray (double bass/vocals). The band played a high energy show which featured a mix of pub, folk and a dash of punk thrown in for good measure. Their musicianship and vocals really shined this evening. They all form a tight unit and they really seem to enjoy playing together. Vocalist Lorna Thomas is the band's ring leader and came into the crowd on several occasions to incite the concert goers with her dancing and singing. 

Skinny Lister Live at Fingerprints

The band has an uncanny ability to play to the entire room and draw everyone into their performance. I got the sense that the band didn't care if they were playing in front of a few hundred people or a few thousand people. They have a sound and energy that you can't ignore. They also don't hide the fact that this is drinking music. The entire time I was watching the show I was wishing that I had a drink in my hand. In fact, the band mentioned that they usually have a jug of liquor that they pass around and into the crowd during their shows. Sadly they left the jug at the El Rey Theatre the night before.

Skinny Lister has just a few more shows left in the US before they head back home to England. They have a full slate of festivals scheduled for this summer to coincide the release of their full length album. If you have an opportunity to see them play live don't pass it up. Trust us, you won't regret it.