A microcosmic period drama with a Skinny-twist, the new video finds the London sextet cast as pilgrims crossing the ocean in search of a new home.
Dressed head-to-toe in costume typical of the 18th Century, the good ship Skinny and its crew make ground upon the shores of a strange new land: America. Though it quickly becomes apparent they may not be first settlers to arrive there…
Speaking about the adventurous new video, frontman Dan Heptinstall says:
“As well as being a great excuse to dress up in late 18th century costume, the video is designed to illustrate how out of step the ‘Second Amendment’ is with the modern world. Wearing clothes contemporary to its creation, we land from the sea into a modern age where we’re completely out of place. The muskets are fake by the way!”
An anthemic punk-shanty that slinks along a jangly guitar line reminiscent of The Smiths, ‘Second Amendment’ is the latest single from Skinny Lister. Originally, one of the highlights of their Barny Barnicott (Arctic Monkeys, The Enemy, The Temper Trap) produced 2019 album ‘The Story Is…’, the current single version of the track has now been given a fresh lease of life with a brand new mix especially for its Autumn release.
One of the most political tracks on ‘The Story Is…’, the song is written in direct reference to the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. A controversial subject that is hotly debated across America, the track has opened up thought provoking conversations with Skinny’s many friends and fans in the USA whilst on tour. As Dan explains:
“The first thing to say here is that we love America. We enjoy touring there and our fans and friends all across the country have been amazing to us over the years. We’re not trying to alienate anyone or suggesting people with alternative beliefs would not be welcome at a Skinny show. On the contrary everyone is welcome… We realise [The Second Amendment] is a very complex and emotive issue, but we do heavily question U.S. gun laws. Laws that were designed during the musket era for taking up arms against a ‘tyrannical government’ have little relevance today. Gun death stats in the U.S. speak for themselves – approaching 40,000 per year. The ongoing argument to tackle the problem by adding more guns – such as proposals to arm teachers feels out of control.The song’s mention of God is not to criticise those with deeply held religious beliefs, but rather those who use God to support their defence of the Second Amendment. The track has already opened up some interesting conversations with our American friends. And we think it’s a discussion worth having.”
Touring the new single along with their fourth studio release ‘The Story Is…’ across the world throughout 2019, the punk sextet now set their sights on a second lap of the US and Canada on an imminent tour with The Interrupters (16 Oct – 9 Nov). The six-piece then jet back to the UK for a run of headline dates in the run up to Christmas.
With KERRANG! praising their recent shows as “drenched in gloriously ramshackle character, with crashing sea shanties and heartfelt protest songs swirling in a saltily potent mix”; don’t be dragging your flagon when the Skinnies bring their explosive live show back to a town near you this Winter.
SKINNY LISTER: ‘THE STORY IS…’ 2019 TOUR WINTER – UK DATES NOVEMBER 27 – Lemon Grove, Exeter28 – The Parish, Huddersfield29 – The Crescent, York30 – Arts Centre, Liverpool
DECEMBER 4 – Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms5 – West End Centre, Aldershot6 – The Castle & Falcon, Birmingham7 – The Polar Bear, Hull10 – Bootleg Social, Blackpool11 – The Leadmill, Sheffield12 – The Globe, Cardiff13 – Wroot Rocks, Doncaster14 – The Garage, London (XMAS BASH)
Tickets on sale now at: https://skinnylister.com/live-shows/