Frank Turner
Love Ire & Song CD
Arbor Records, 2008
More folksy than his work with the Million Dead, Turner's second solo album is earnest, heartfelt, and almost too clever. While comparisons to Billy Bragg come to mind, the first few songs are more geek rock by way of Jim's Big Ego. Turner's no Atom and His Package, but his tongue is as firmly in his cheek as his heart's in the right place. Things really kick in with the sixth song, and the title track is a fine example of what Turner's capable of when he's not being silly. That song gives me chills. Also, "Imperfect Tense" is an aggressive rocker that also captures that anger and malaise of aging and disillusionment. The American release features two additional songs, and in the end, the album is excellent. Turner's sense of humor and playfulness is as powerful a weapon as his idealism and hope.
-- Heath Row
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