Frank Turner - The Real Damage EP
Artist profile:
Frank Turner
Release Date: 07/05/07
Label: Xtra Mile
Rating: ****
First track 'The Real Damage' introduces Frank Turner the solo artist. Million Dead had a huge relevance in the modern day punk scene, and now the 'jack of all trades' wants to have all the glory. On this effort we see a Proclaimers influence - catchy acoustic pop that can appeal to a mass audience. That is what's on offer here folks.
The songs are incredibly introspective, reflecting feelings that we can identify with in everyday life. Even the ones when we have been out for a hard nights drinking, or are just completely lost: "I was longing for a shower / Clean sheets and a charger for my phone." The intelligent wit of Turner serves to set him apart and bring his acoustic style up a level.
The strength of his vocals and the structure will for some reason incite Idlewild comparisons, strangely enough, you might think of Idlewild... if Hugh Grant were on vocals. Each to his own, you understand.
It's hard not to be impressed by how much Turner has achieved in the last few years, clinching deals in both the UK and US and writing countless top quality tunes.
Second effort 'Sea Legs' is a strong acoustic ballad. Here we catch Turner reflecting on the positives and negative of being on tour, yet how the rockstar life isn't all it's cracked up to be. "I stand on dry land for one minute / Then I have to start moving again." Again, the thing that is so enchanting about Turner is his ability to capture simple emotions, put these in a simple song and put it across in a way that can make us laugh and just think in general, about life and how good it is. Clever bugger.
'Back To Sleep' is more 'poppier' and upbeat, this one is particularly contemplative: "I'm just looking for the person who will tell me I'm just tired and send me back to sleep / Steals the covers in the night." The great thing about this comical yet soft effort is that it could be about heart-ache and true love, or it could be a stab at the entire nation's bed and 'cover hoggers.' Turner knows who you are and he's coming for you!
'Sunshine State' works in a similar way to 'Sea Legs', reflecting on being away from a loved one. We've all been there too. The nice thing is, this is a very patriotic work, Turner serves to compare California (where she is) and London (where he is) with some very cool lyrics: "You left me with Morrissey [The Smiths] and Robert Smith [The Cure] and complication / I needed you here to be my sunshine in London town / California has had more than it's fair share". Nicely done.
'Heartless Bastard Motherfucker' does exactly what it says on the tin, grabbing you by the ear and pulling you in for a dance. It follows up nicely from the last song; Frank keeps it patriotic and turns out a fantastically 'feel good' song and potential anthem here.
Some drums and some 'funk style' electric guitar are added to the mix giving the song some oomph! It works well, and this would go down a storm in a live setting. This EP perfectly encapsulates Turners trademark 'grand' composition, the guy knows how to write a good but simple tune: "Im sorry hunny, this time you're the sucker / I'm a heartless, bastard, motherfucker". This is worth any music fans time, just give it a listen. Do it!
Dom Smith
Frank Turner Official Site
Frank Turner Myspace
Buy Frank Turner CDs | Buy Frank Turner mp3s | Buy Frank Turner Tickets | Buy Frank Turner Merch
Release Date: 07/05/07
Label: Xtra Mile
Rating: ****
First track 'The Real Damage' introduces Frank Turner the solo artist. Million Dead had a huge relevance in the modern day punk scene, and now the 'jack of all trades' wants to have all the glory. On this effort we see a Proclaimers influence - catchy acoustic pop that can appeal to a mass audience. That is what's on offer here folks.
The songs are incredibly introspective, reflecting feelings that we can identify with in everyday life. Even the ones when we have been out for a hard nights drinking, or are just completely lost: "I was longing for a shower / Clean sheets and a charger for my phone." The intelligent wit of Turner serves to set him apart and bring his acoustic style up a level.
The strength of his vocals and the structure will for some reason incite Idlewild comparisons, strangely enough, you might think of Idlewild... if Hugh Grant were on vocals. Each to his own, you understand.
It's hard not to be impressed by how much Turner has achieved in the last few years, clinching deals in both the UK and US and writing countless top quality tunes.
Second effort 'Sea Legs' is a strong acoustic ballad. Here we catch Turner reflecting on the positives and negative of being on tour, yet how the rockstar life isn't all it's cracked up to be. "I stand on dry land for one minute / Then I have to start moving again." Again, the thing that is so enchanting about Turner is his ability to capture simple emotions, put these in a simple song and put it across in a way that can make us laugh and just think in general, about life and how good it is. Clever bugger.
'Back To Sleep' is more 'poppier' and upbeat, this one is particularly contemplative: "I'm just looking for the person who will tell me I'm just tired and send me back to sleep / Steals the covers in the night." The great thing about this comical yet soft effort is that it could be about heart-ache and true love, or it could be a stab at the entire nation's bed and 'cover hoggers.' Turner knows who you are and he's coming for you!
'Sunshine State' works in a similar way to 'Sea Legs', reflecting on being away from a loved one. We've all been there too. The nice thing is, this is a very patriotic work, Turner serves to compare California (where she is) and London (where he is) with some very cool lyrics: "You left me with Morrissey [The Smiths] and Robert Smith [The Cure] and complication / I needed you here to be my sunshine in London town / California has had more than it's fair share". Nicely done.
'Heartless Bastard Motherfucker' does exactly what it says on the tin, grabbing you by the ear and pulling you in for a dance. It follows up nicely from the last song; Frank keeps it patriotic and turns out a fantastically 'feel good' song and potential anthem here.
Some drums and some 'funk style' electric guitar are added to the mix giving the song some oomph! It works well, and this would go down a storm in a live setting. This EP perfectly encapsulates Turners trademark 'grand' composition, the guy knows how to write a good but simple tune: "Im sorry hunny, this time you're the sucker / I'm a heartless, bastard, motherfucker". This is worth any music fans time, just give it a listen. Do it!
Dom Smith
Frank Turner Official Site
Frank Turner Myspace
Buy Frank Turner CDs | Buy Frank Turner mp3s | Buy Frank Turner Tickets | Buy Frank Turner Merch
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