CD: Forge & Flagon Artist: Skinny Lister Label: SideOneDummy Records Rating: 3.5/5 Best Song: Rollin’ Over Reviewer: Cole Faulkner

With the departure of Flogging Molly from the SideOneDummy Records roster, a Celtic/folk void has remained unfilled for the past few years.  While the label has been evolving and diversifying, the signing of London, England’s Skinny Lister clearly shows that label owners Joe and Bill still have a soft spot and a keen ear for newcomers in the Celtic genre.  After a two ear-grabbing EPs, the label has welcomed the quintet from across the Atlantic, introducing their impressive debut full length, Forge & Flagon, to North American listeners.  And it’s easy to see that fans of Celtic-folk have lots to be excited about.

With a set boasting tin whistles, accordions, mandolins, and a medley of acoustic instruments, the band makes for a wholly entertaining and engaging listen that would make The Pogues proud.  The songs take a feel-good approach sure to implant the image of humbly dressed musicians playing their tunes in the most intimate and interactive of settings.  Album highlight “Rollin’ Over” in particular features big, welcoming choral backing vocals and a lively grass roots folk feel.  Ukulele player Lorna Thomas contributes her feathery vocals on the wispy moonlight duet “Plough & Orion” and “Peregine Fly” – her tranquil touch serving as a distinguishing draw.  It’s also been a while I’ve heard a Celtic band committed to setting sail from drab maritime sea shanties, but tracks like “If The Gaff Don’t Let Us Down” and “Trawler” employ the tin whistle and accordion with expertise last seen by the late Dreadnoughts.  And that’s not even mentioning the clear ode to the traditional polka in “Trawlerman” and “Polkas (Jenny Lind/Girl in a Blue Dress).”

Needless to say, Forge & Flagon is a rock solid debut offering   little room for reservations.  With so much going for them, it’s tough to tell which direction Skinny Lister may choose to pursue next.  Though with such a diverse skill set, it hardly matters.  The band could pursue an entirely different focus across a handful of future albums and still wouldn’t have tapped all of the diversity making up Forge & Flagon. If first impressions mean anything, Skinny Lister is going to be a name we’re all going to see headlining some of the biggest and best festivals, shows and tours in and out of the Celtic world.