Skinny Lister

Skinny Lister, an energetic English ensemble, bridge the gap between the Pogues' punk-tinged folk-rock and the atmospheric, barn-dance-infused country-tinged pop of Mumford & Sons. Centered on dual lead singers Dan Heptinstall and Lorna Thomas, the collective came together in the Greenwich district of London during the first months of 2010. Rowdy communal choruses from the group had established themselves as regular highlights across the summer festival circuit by 2011, prompting the preparation of a full-length debut. David Wrench, known for his work with Bat for Lashes and James Yorkston, handled production on the collection titled after a cherished local tavern; Forge & Flagon arrived in 2013.

The follow-up, Down on Deptford Broadway, emerged in 2015 and steered the ensemble toward a sharper punk edge. Reviewers at NME and The Guardian joined the chorus of positive notices that greeted the record. Third album The Devil, The Heart & the Fight, released in 2016, included the track "Wanted" and was helmed by Tristan Ivemy, whose credits encompass Frank Turner and Towers of London. The band joined forces that same year with touring companions and Xtra Mile labelmates Beans on Toast on the seasonal single "This Christmas." Recording sessions for the next project continued in parallel, yielding 2019's Story Is…, an album that assembled intimate narratives drawn from the personal milestones the members experienced throughout its creation.