Gig review: Skinny Lister at Rescue Rooms

There's always a gig that sets up the Christmas season and gets you in the festive mood. This was the one that did for me.

First up in support was the talented and funny singer songwriter Ben Brown, an anarchic set on acoustic guitar, vocals and human trumpet solos. This man gave the audience everything, including his Dad's mobile phone number! But don't be deceived by his antics, when it gets to his music, Ben has a gentle and vulnerable vocal sound that is perfect for his songs. Fresh from supporting Frank Turner and about to launch his own tour in 2025, Ben Brown is gonna be big news.

Support band Rusty Shackle, a six-piece folk rock band from Wales were next on. A talented assortment of acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, banjo and violin along with some impressive five-part vocal harmonies. With a great fusion of folk and rock plus strong influences from Celtic and Bluegrass sounds, these guys have been really popular on the folk festival scene in the last couple of years and it's easy to see why. Heartfelt lyrics, infectious melodies and a demand for group participation in the singing the songs, all helped to win over the crowd. Be sure to check out their new album Under A Bloodshot Moon and give them some of your time and respect.

And then... Skinny Lister invaded the stage, with their a more rowdy and in-your-face style of folk. Five individual balls of energy, crashing around the stage and whipping the audience into full on party mode. Christmas spirits were all around the Rescue Rooms hall and helped by the flagon of hard spirits passed around by the band.

2023 saw a resurgence for Skinny Lister after a tour of USA and this current tour is only helping to strengthen their reputation. As the band constantly moved around the stage, swapping positions and running into any available spaces, I was reminded of the early antics of The Specials. Too much energy from so many musicians in a small space is infectious and the room was buzzing with dancing (and probably the effects of the free spirits).

Check out their latest album-Shanty Punk, songs like Arm Wrestling In Dresden, Haul And Bale and 13 Miles all tell their story better than I can. Modern folk songs about working class lives will always have a special place and Skinny Lister understand this. Thank you Skinny Lister for a special night and for kickstarting my Christmas.

Skinny Lister performed at Rescue Rooms on 8th December 2024, with support from Ben Brown and Rusty Shackle.