Newcastle University – Newcastle-upon-Tyne
17th October 2009
As we start to say goodbye to summer and pave the way for autumn, I can think of no better way to welcome these cold, dark months than an audience with Britain’s cheeriest musician. Frank Turner has been slaving away at the musical grindstone for years, whether it was with Million Dead or on his own with an acoustic guitar, but as this University basement starts to fill up, I think all that work may have finally paid off.
The night kicks off with one man act Beans on Toast a down to earth British bloke, singing songs about all things relatable like being pissed off at shops putting Christmas decorations up too early. Even though he ended his set with some accordion based raps, provided some good laughs and sing-along’s from the crowd, old Beans didn’t really do much more than that for me.
It wasn’t until Fake Problems took the stage that things really started to get better, this band are pretty far from their home in Florida and they aren’t too well known over here, but after tonight I think they may have left an impression. As a band Fake Problems seem to know where they stand, sound wise they are well rehearsed and never made any mistakes, musically they have a definitive sound, which makes them really easy to get into and you don’t get lost off in sets. They are pretty uplifting to watch, especially their latest single “The Dream Team” which really makes heir set for me. Hopefully next time they visit people might be able to sing along to their memorable songs!
Finally the man himself takes the stage to the introduction of traditional English music, as he goes through the set the crowd loves him and he loves the crowd. Frank is a pretty traditional man, his music has a certain feel to it that almost makes you feel patriotic, and he speaks a certain honesty that everyone can relate to, almost like an English Conor Oberst. This room is pretty packed and I’m really glad that Frank is finally selling out venues; I think people forget how much of a vital cog he is to British music. Million Dead were one of a kind, the DIY ethics in his acoustic work and his constant touring and integrity really fly the flag for how a band should be.
One thing that really strikes me about Frank is how easily he makes the transition from him and his guitar to having a full band playing electric songs, something that not many musicians seem to master. He even pulls up a girl from the crowd to join the band by playing a harmonica solo, pretty cool if you ask me. The highlights of my night were his acoustic guitar solo (something he only did to express his rage at English politicians) and his cover of Million Dead’s “Smiling at Strangers on Trains,” which I’ve been dying to see him do every time he plays. I think most people have seen Frank Turner before, either at festivals or supporting a band who should be supporting him, and I think every time I see him he gets better and better, so after tonight I can’t wait to see him again!
Jonathan Teggert