Frank Turner
Poetry of the Deed
Epitaph (2009)
There are a slew of musicians who take the role of singer-songwriter after the break up of their former bands. At times this can showcase the talent that drove the bands to their success, or alternately show the need for collaboration to flesh out their ideas into worthwhile songs. Frank Turner fronted the mildly successful post-hardcore act Million Dead before venturing into a career as a solo artist. While the typical route of a solo act is to take a slower/folk approach to song writing, Turner did something different. As my friend Chris so eloquently stated, "It's like he's playing a bunch of punk covers acoustically but they're originals." Well put. Poetry of the Deed is Frank's third official full-length, and continues to explore the themes introduced in his former records. Turner taps into the wavering idealism, fear, and hopefulness associated with growing up. He regularly explores the conflict of growing out of scenes and trends and what that means in defining who you become as an adult. It sounds sentimental, but the execution is something closer to a Kerouac novel; it's a hell of a lot of fun with an underlining sense of moral uncertainty and questioning of how … Read more
Over Stars and Gutters
Consider This Your Curse
Independent (2009)
The whole Midwestern punk sound is something you either love or hate. I, personally love most of the main bands … Read more
...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
The Century of Self
Richter Scale (2009)
Texas rockers ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead return with their sixth full-length effort, The Century … Read more
In the Red
Volume 2
Suburban Home (2009)
California's In the Red always fell under the radar to me until I decided to listen to vocalist/guitarist, Mike Hale's … Read more
Deep Sleep
Three Things at Once
Grave Mistake (2009)
Deep Sleep sound like 1980's LA hardcore. A good example is the dual vocals of "Alone with You," but with … Read more
The Sorely Trying Days
Survival Mode
Useless World (2009)
I knew next to nothing about this band before checking out this album but the fact that they are "recommended … Read more
