By Laura McCarthy.
Skinny Lister are an adrenaline shot to the chest – and I’m Mia Wallace, resuscitated and left reeling from the effects.
I’ve seen them numerous times before, both as headliners and support acts, including when they supported Reel Big Fish in London a few years back. And guess what? I keep coming back. There’s a certain, indefinable magic they bring in every live performance that breaks through the hum-drum everyday.
Skinny Lister gigs usually find me in the winter months, breaking me out of my stupor. It’s a Wednesday night, after all (3/11/25). A school night. The kind of night where I would usually be “zen-ing” out at my Tai Chi class or rotting away on my sofa, fatigued from hours of teaching. It’s cold. It’s dark. The last thing you feel like doing is staying out late.
When I rock up to (or, more accurately, drag myself to) The 1865, I exist in a haze of exhaustion; I live in what I call “the blur” (which is when I refuse to wear the glasses I so desperately need to function because I have “seen enough” today – teenagers will do that to you). Soon, however, I find myself reaching for those dreaded specs as support act Claudia Kate arrives to crack open my self-constructed shell.
She takes to the stage with a guitar in hand and glistening from head to toe. Her voice is striking, with especially enchanting moments in falsetto. I always enjoy songwriting which steers away from cliches and Bunkbed Boyfriend, about a dream she had of her ex boyfriend who used to have bunkbeds, scratches that itch and makes her stand out from your usual singer-songwriter brand of talented person. If you like variety, Claudia Kate makes the effort to include some spoken word, which didn’t resonate with me but I can see others connecting with it. I think many other women will identify with her lyrics, such as those which examine body image and gender expectations.
Warbling from the stage captures our attention when The Vandoliers are scheduled, drawing us out of our conversations. It’s immediately obvious they’re from Texas – their music can only be described as a slice of True America in the twanging strings and rasping harmonica. They refer to us as “y’all”, speak in strong American accents, and wear trucker hats and denim, which probably also adds to that feeling. Oddly, at times the gravelly vocals remind me of the British rock band Smokie, if they had more of a country sound. The Vandoliers are bright and engaging, encouraging their audience to clap and sing throughout – they didn’t travel all the way from the USA for nothing. They do a good job of warming up the crowd for Skinny Lister and fit well with the general vibe of the event, whilst offering a unique sound of their own. They know a UK audience loves The Proclaimers, leaving us with a cover of 500 Miles whilst helicoptering t-shirts over their heads, before Skinny Lister come on.
Yorkshire Belle signals the arrival of our beloved Skinny Lister (a choice I particularly appreciate as a Yorkshire lass myself). When they burst onto the stage, the band erupts with energy.
Despite Lorna’s suffering voice (as she lost it only three days ago), the band show their skill and professionalism; having been touring pretty consistently of late, it is clear that they are experts of their craft.
Not only are they talented musicians, but they are also brilliant performers who know how to work with their audience. It is a real pleasure to watch. Vibrant and vital, I am amazed at their never ending supply of enthusiasm.
The crowd is quickly drawn in and remains with them all the way through. It is much as you expect from Skinny Lister: singing, dancing, clapping, and swigging from their famous flagon.
The set list is well balanced. It features a healthy dose of new tracks along with the old reliable favourites, and they take a multitude of requests, much to the joy of those around us.
Finishing with all their friends on stage, there is a real sense of community and connection as the gig wraps up. As always, Skinny Lister don’t disappoint.
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