Frank Turner doesn’t really need as much introduction as some of the artists I’ve reviewed recently.  This prolific English folk-punk singer/songwriter has recorded and released five studio albums in just six years, and his fifth album, Tape Deck Hearts has already been well received by audiences and critics.  Turner has recently rocked the main stages at Reading and Leeds Festivals, and is soon to take the stage at the O2 Arena, following in the footsteps of musical giants.  Turner’s music is refreshingly tongue-in-cheek, cleverly composed and delivered with contagious energy.  Through a punchy fusion of punk-rock and folk music, combined with witty, sometimes profane lyrics, he dishes out a sound that is quintessentially British: a mature and logical evolution from the sounds of this country’s rich musical past.

This latest album, simply put, carries the listener away.  From the first track, Recovery, we are introduced to Turner’s smartly crafted lyrical talents, his energetic sound and his brilliant rhythmic wordplay.  From the first chorus our heads, our feet and our bodies are compelled to move.  The sound is fun, dynamic and fresh.  The start of the album hits hard, and makes the listener want to dance.

However, by the time we’ve reached track six, Tell Tale Signs, the tempo has dropped right down, and we’re lost in a warm, profound, acoustic love-lost song.  What is significant, in my opinion, is that our journey has been almost completely fluid. The transition from hard-hitting rock’n’roll riffs to beautifully delicate melodic refrains seems to come as naturally to Frank Turner as riding a bike.  Track seven, Four Simple Words is a phenomenal example of his mastery of this juxtaposition.

I won’t keep prattling on, because I’m short on time today, and the album really speaks for itself, but if you want a good overview of Frank Turner’s many talents, and don’t have the time to listen to the whole album right away (which is worth it if you can), I’d recommend listening to the songs I’ve mentioned above, and then the final track, Cowboy Chords. This stunning concluding number is stripped right back: just one man and his guitar, as raw as it comes.

Tape Deck Hearts is one of my favourite albums of 2013 so far, and you can listen to it right here!:

Enjoy.  🙂