Review: Skinny Lister, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
It was how a gig is supposed to be - cramped, sweaty with plenty of bouncing and singing.
I must admit, I might have got a bit carried away when folk punk rockers Skinny Lister came to the Hare & Hounds in Birmingham on Friday night.
Stood at the front I got swept up in the moment; dancing, swaying and jumping around with my hands in the air.
Despite being a sell out the Hare & Hounds provides an intimate live music experience.
No barriers, the band entering and exiting the stage through the crowd high fiving and hugging the crowd - and with reasonably priced drinks this was a recipe for a superb night.
All the songs were well received, from new tracks 'Wanted', 'Geordie Lad' and 'Hamburg Drunk', to the older classics such as 'Rollin Over', 'Seventeen Summers' and 'Cathy'.
They might not be a household name yet, but they have a dedicated and growing fan base who knew every word.
Highlights of the night included the sea shanty 'John Kanaka', 'Trouble on Oxford Street' and 'Forty Pound Wedding'. The crowd lapped it up and the band fed off the energy in the room.
Lead vocalist Dan Heptinstall was charming, funny and was clearly having a great time - while his counterpart Lorna Thomas was out dancing with the crowd and passing a flagon of rum around.
This was probably the best gig I have seen in 2017.
I have a feeling we won't be seeing these guys on this intimate a stage for much longer.
