Album Reviews

- by Tom Dumarey

Album number four sees UK’s Skinny Lister take their exuberant take on folk-punk meets rock ‘n roll meets whatever-they-feel-like-playing to new heights. From the moment opening track ‘Second Amendment’ kicks things off, they take you on a wild ride that ranges from The Clash-like cuts and all-out ragers to more introvert, piano-driven tunes and folky excursions. The one thing all 14 songs have in common, is that they are extremely solid and come with an instant sense of familiarity.

One of the band’s many trumps is that they have not one, but two impressive lead vocalists among their ranks in the form of Lorna Thomas and Daniel Heptinstall. It only helps add to the variety on ‘The Story Is...’ and when they combine forces on a song like ‘Stop & Breathe,’ things become even sweeter. Another album highlight comes in the form of ‘Alister McAllister,’ where the band channels their inner Elvis Costello. All put together, it makes ‘The Story Is...’ an album that shows a lot of different sides, all of them good.

Track listing:

1. Second Amendment
2. My Life, My Architectur
3. Diesel Vehicle
4. Rattle & Roar
5. Artist Arsonist
6. The Shining
7. The Story Is…
8. 38 Minutes
9. My Distraction
10. Stop & Breathe
11. Cause For Chorus
12. Alister McAllister
13. Sometimes So It Goes
14. Any Resemblance To Actual Persons, Living Or Dead, Is Purely Coincidental