Folk/punk/rock has never sounded so good thanks to former UK post-hardcore singer Frank Turner who took elements of the genres and self-formed it into something simply wonderful on his latest release. Not to be considered a solo attempt this round, it is clear throughout the album that he has an amazing backing band that helped him and perhaps even added a little of their own style to it.
Having been in multiple bands over the years and working non-stop while doing so, Frank Turner continues his desire to be an amazing musician. After what seemingly felt like an eternity since I first heard word of the release, the hardworking Frank Turner has finally dropped Poetry Of The Deed in the US thanks to Epitaph Records. How hardworking you ask? This will be his third release in three years.
“Live Fast Die Old” starts of the album full forced with more so of an indie rock that immediately captured my attention. As if his singing was not an attraction enough, the supporting music from the full band including keyboard and back up harmonies just seemingly invited me into his world and I must say I felt welcomed. It’s the type of song you tap you foot to and bop your head as well.
“Try This At Home” had a slight upbeat feel that exploded with great, well thought out lyrics about the real DIY musicians in the world who care and work for what they believe in and called out the superficial money hungry performers. One line in particular that stood out over the rest to me declared that there is “no such thing as rock stars, they’re just people who play music, and some of them are just like us, and some of them are dicks.” Well said Mr. Turner.
“Dan’s Song” is the type of song I could only wish was written about me. The reminiscent jam goes from past history to future with sick harmonica playing. “Poetry Of The Deed” to me sounded like a heavy Avett Brothers song with Frank Turner repeatedly bolting out “life is too short, to live without poetry, if you’ve got soul darling, now come on and show it me” at the end of the track.
“The Road” was a sing along favorite of mine on the album. Heavy on the folk and added country twang made for a catchy and happy listen. I especially enjoyed the end of the song that almost sounded like and excited Frank Turner was not done recording the track when everyone else was.
“Our Lady Of The Campfire” had some fun percussion backed with strings reminding me of the folk that helped Frank Turner make this album what it is. The song is well thought out lyrically and musically and there was just so much going on but it fit so well.
Some of the songs seemed to slow up towards the conclusion of the CD as compared to the first half but they were still great listens. The soothing keyboard playing and acoustic strumming were enjoyable especially during “Sunday Nights” and the album ending “Journey Of The Magi”.
I’m serious when I tell you I got a good feeling throughout when hearing this release, the kind of feeling that keeps me going back for more. I remember the first time I heard bands like the Avett Brothers, Gaslight Anthem, Ben Folds, Joe Strummer, and Wilco (just to name a couple) who I knew instantly I would love and cherish for the rest of my music listening years on this planet because of what they created and how they executed it. I can now add Frank Turner to that list because his music just had such an amazing effect on me.
I admit, I had never heard of Frank Turner until just before this album was released. When I started hearing about the hype about him from various musicians and music fans, my curiosity led me to a YouTube video (see below) of him playing an after-party in someone’s house. Just by seeing that one acoustic jam he played surrounded by singing and screaming fans I understood why so many have been talking him up. He is that talented and with help from an amazing backing band Poetry Of The Deed was worth all the hype.
I expect big things from Frank Turner in the following months even years to come. Slated to be touring with the Gaslight Anthem this fall as well as just finished a tour with The Offspring I think it is pretty clear he is starting to make a bigger name for himself here in the US and very quickly at that.
This is one act fans of music need to at least extend an ear out to even if punk or folk is not your thing. It is that damn good.
DOWNLOAD THIS! – Frank Turner – “The Road”
