Familiarize Yourself

We’ve already covered a few solo artists on here that used to front punk bands, and this post is no different as it is about ex-Million Dead singer Frank Turner. Like Kensure and Ragan, Turner is releasing folk albums these days, but he separates himself from the pack as he still retains the rock in his music that his peers left behind when they switched genres. Since he began releasing solo material in 2006, Turner has been likened to folk/punk legend and fellow Englander Billy Bragg for his ability to craft deeply passionate love songs as well as working man anthems.

After releasing his first two full lengths Sleep Is For The Week and Love Ire & Song within 4 months of each other in late ’07 and early ‘08, Turner became a favorite among critics for his brand of folk rock that can sound very Hold Steady/Springsteen-ish with a full backing band or like Bragg when stripped down. Turner seems to find great ease in blending the traditions of both his folk and punk backgrounds, and it makes sense that he normally opens for full bands on the road as opposed to being alongside a group of solo artists.

I didn’t find out about Turner’s music until seeing his third album Poetry of the Deed landed on several websites’ and magazines’ best of ’09 lists. Turner’s poignant lyrics, defined vocals, and often energizing folk sound had me hook, line, and sinker after about 30 seconds into the first listening. Despite the folk description, Turner’s music isn’t far from a calm, relaxed sound many associate with the genre. The UK-native’s numbers will have you looking for the closest friend and/or drink to grab and sing along with. Even when Turner does slow down on a few tracks, his lyrics about punk rock, lost love, and politics will keep you just as engaged.

Turner is currently on tour supporting Flogging Molly on their Green 17 Tour