A microcosmic period drama with a Skinny-twist, Second Amendment, the new video from Skinny Lister 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 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 thought provoking conversations with Skinny’s many friends and fans in the USA whilst on tour.
Skinny Lister Tour the UK in November and December, 2019
As Dan explains:
“The first thing to say here is that we love America. We enjoy touring there and our fans and friends 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 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 their current 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.
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Skinny Lister play The Globe, Cardiff on December 12
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Tickets available via: https://skinnylister.com/live-shows/