Something Like Sound

Many bands specialize in the catchy or heavy guitar riffs while others rely on a phenomenal vocalist while others gain listeners by using strange music structure and theory. Frank Turner doesn’t specialize in any of those areas. On the surface actually, Frank Turner isn’t all that special at all. No spectacular guitar solos, no massive vocals, nothing fantastic. However, the beauty of his most recent album, Poetry of the Deed, comes from it’s deceptive simplicity. Beyond the average surface, a series of creative melodies mix for something not at all average.

After the British hardcore punk band Million Dead dissolved away, lead singer Frank Turner shifted his focus from rocking out to piecing together a more in-depth folk genre. Several elements from Million Dead have worked into Poetry of the Deed in the guitars and vocal melody. All in all though, Turner keeps it simple. Waltzing around in genres from piano rock like Waking Ashland to a very acoustic folk like Iron and Wine, Turner uses his simple approach to say what he wants.

The overall tone of the album is very light and positive with few songs ever dragging along in a dark minor. Even lyrically Turner is light-hearted. The second track, “Try This at Home” concerns how rock stars are really just people, so you too should go out there and play your guitar. Immediately following, “Dan’s Song” reflects on life and how the best parts are often as simple as drinking a beer in a park with his friend Dan.

Released just yesterday, Poetry of the Deed should be high on the list to pick up, not for the shiny parts, but rather the blended simplicity of some good music.

Also, make sure you don’t miss seeing Frank Turner open for Gaslight Anthem, Murder by Death, and The Loved Ones on Sunday at the Ogden. We’re even sending one of our own, Jake, to get an interview with Frank, so keep an eye out for that next week.

Listen to some of “Try This At Home” right here (via Epitaph Records)