James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
The Christian rock band from Brighton bring religion to the masses.
Recipe for modern R'n'B album: liberal helpings of guest rappers and an overdose of sexual euphemisms.
In 2006, Frank Turner played in Leeds to a crowd of around 20 people. Two of those came back to see him sell out the O2 Academy. The rest thought he was shit. Put simply, singer-songwriter Frank Turner is a man and a guitar from Winchester. However, the cult following of fans of all ages proves he’s much more than that. Now on his third solo album, it shows how far Turner has come in a relatively short time, and how far he still has the potential to go.
Opening with the obvious choice of ‘Photosynthesis’ (‘I’ll play and you sing/ The perfect way for the evening to begin’) got the show off to the best start possible. Dedicated fans knew every word and were more than happy to join in. A buzzing atmosphere quickly set in and continued for all of his 90 minute show. Performing a well-judged mix of both old and new songs, Turner kept the audience captivated and participating throughout. He played songs off a ‘suggested setlist’ written on a paper aeroplane and got an audience member on stage to do a harmonica solo, making him seem, on the whole, like a pretty nice guy, which might just be what makes him so popular. It’s rare to see someone with such a following so down to earth. It’s clear he just does all this because he enjoys it, the rest just seems like a bonus to him.
‘Long Live the Queen’ was a particular highlight of the set, moving some audience members to tears with the emotion with which he sings of his dying friend. ‘The Ballad of Me and My Friends’ was a more upbeat number, with the audience passionately joining in with ‘We’re definitely going to hell/ But we’ll have all the best stories to tell’. Turner powered through song after song, each provoking the audience in a different way, but never failing to deliver. Ending with ‘Reasons Not to Be an Idiot’ before returning for a short encore meant the audience left on a high, feeling fully content with their musical lot for the evening.
Popularity from music with such a heavy folk influence is rare, however Frank Turner get the balance between the jangling guitars of folk and the hard hitting riffs of rock ‘n’ roll just right, creating a gripping formula for his acoustic rock. The passion which he puts into his live shows is obvious and means his popularity will only grow in the future. Let’s just hope the fame he deserves doesn’t go to his head.
Aye, Frank's brand of folk music is a unique one, but what makes it so appealing is the honesty and directness behind it. Anyone can relate to and enjoy the sentiments expressed within his music - especially the songs from Poetry of the Deed. Your closing sentence is a tad odd - letting fame get to his head would be going against the music he creates. All you need to do is listen to Try This At Home:
"Because there's no such things as rock stars. There's just people who play music. And some of them are just like us and some of them are dicks. So quick, turn off your stereo. Pick up that pen and paper. Yeah, you could do so much better than some skinny half-arsed country singer"
It's a shame this review makes no mention of the support acts Crazy Arm and Chuck Ragan. Both acts were certainly deserving of one, particularly Chuck who was exceptional accompanied by the double bass player and violinist.
Also, sorry to be pedantic but the gig date was 18.03.2010 =P
My closing sentence is making the point that if he sky rockets to fame and the fame DOES go to his head (like one of the dicks) then his music would go downhill because he wouldn't be so genuine. Gettit?
As for the 13th instead of the 18th, that's a typo. Despite the 3 being nowhere near the 8 I know.
Crazy Arm, I personally thought they were pretty rubbish and not really worth the review. Chuck Ragan was better but I thought I'd rather focus on Frank who the review's about.
Thanks for the comments though 
Loved it. As you say a awesome mix of both old and new tracks.
#1 is right, Chuck Ragan was great fun! Didn't get there in time to see Crazy Arm though.
Fair enough. You didn't rate Crazy Arm high enough to warrant a mention, but Chuck Ragan and co were a joy to watch and definitely one of the highlights of the evening. Hence, a shame.
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