in review
FRANK TURNER
"FTHC"
Frank Turner's brand new album, "FTHC" (Frank Turner Hardcore), is Frank's ninth studio album. It is an epic journey of raw emotion and hard hitting lyrics. The album was recorded at Abbey Recording Studios in Oxford and produced/mixed by Rich Costey (Foo Fighters, Muse, Biffy Clyro). It packs in a whopping 14 tracks on the standard release.
It is a surprise to no one that the album kicks off with a powerful performance of "Non Servium". This is fast-paced and as heavy as it gets, but this is just a taste of things to come.
Once Frank has your heart pumping, he takes you into the stunningly anthemic lead single "The Gathering", a call for the return of live music, something that was so badly affected by the pandemic. This leads to the perfectly balanced and catchy "I Haven't Been Doing So Well." Looking at issues of mental health and self doubt, it is well written and will be sure to resonate with how many people feel in the present climate.
The open and honest nature of this album continues with "Untainted Love", which explores self doubt, addiction and the realisation that nobody is invincible. There isn't a track in this superb collection of biopic songs that doesn't put Frank's life's ups and downs on full show. Unafraid to deal with things that many would choose to brush under the carpet, this album is a true modern masterpiece.
From family issues to drugs and mental health struggles, there is no stone left unturned. From the angry "Fatherless" to the emotionally charged "Miranda", Frank tells his story with passion and a refreshing openness that is both heartbreaking and joyous at the same time. "A Wave Across A Bay" is a standout track which is as beautiful as it is desperately emotionally charged. It is a tribute to Frank's friend Scott Hutchinson, from the band Frightened Rabbit.
With lyrics that are both lyrically unapologetic and skillfully composed and produced, and with Frank's punk / folk rock sound, this album is anything but tame; it sounds incredible through old headphones, but it would be mind-blowingly good live. So it's definitely one for the "Bands to see this year" list.
A solid 11 out of 10. Frank Turner has set the bar high for 2022. It will take a lot to beat an album of this calibre.
Released on 11th of February on Xtra Mile Recordings / Polydor.
Visit www.frank-turner.com for more information.
It is a surprise to no one that the album kicks off with a powerful performance of "Non Servium". This is fast-paced and as heavy as it gets, but this is just a taste of things to come.
Once Frank has your heart pumping, he takes you into the stunningly anthemic lead single "The Gathering", a call for the return of live music, something that was so badly affected by the pandemic. This leads to the perfectly balanced and catchy "I Haven't Been Doing So Well." Looking at issues of mental health and self doubt, it is well written and will be sure to resonate with how many people feel in the present climate.
The open and honest nature of this album continues with "Untainted Love", which explores self doubt, addiction and the realisation that nobody is invincible. There isn't a track in this superb collection of biopic songs that doesn't put Frank's life's ups and downs on full show. Unafraid to deal with things that many would choose to brush under the carpet, this album is a true modern masterpiece.
From family issues to drugs and mental health struggles, there is no stone left unturned. From the angry "Fatherless" to the emotionally charged "Miranda", Frank tells his story with passion and a refreshing openness that is both heartbreaking and joyous at the same time. "A Wave Across A Bay" is a standout track which is as beautiful as it is desperately emotionally charged. It is a tribute to Frank's friend Scott Hutchinson, from the band Frightened Rabbit.
With lyrics that are both lyrically unapologetic and skillfully composed and produced, and with Frank's punk / folk rock sound, this album is anything but tame; it sounds incredible through old headphones, but it would be mind-blowingly good live. So it's definitely one for the "Bands to see this year" list.
A solid 11 out of 10. Frank Turner has set the bar high for 2022. It will take a lot to beat an album of this calibre.
Released on 11th of February on Xtra Mile Recordings / Polydor.
Visit www.frank-turner.com for more information.