Tape deck heart. Frank Turner

It is circa 1.30 minutes into 'Four simple words'. The tempo of the song changes dramatically. Full out punkrock takes over the ballad I heard first. When the singer starts singing here, I know one thing for certain: When Al Barr's vocal chords finally give out I know who his follow up should be: Frank Turner. What a voice, with loads of strength and seemingly without any effort. And then the sort of Abba piano notes chime in and I know that a new hero is born, without a single Abba fan of yore knowing about it, which is probably for the best.

Tape deck heart is Turner's fifth studio album, but my first as far as I'm aware. Active as a solo recording artist since 2007, Turner has a past as a member of a post hardcore band. Something that does not really shine through on this album. The music on offer is a potent mix of acoustic ballads, folk rock, rock and punk over which Frank Turner sings, with a good feel for the melody in combination with his strong voice. Undoubtedly trained busking and singing in pubs with just an acoustic guitar.

One of the signature on instruments Tape deck heart is the mandolin. This gives the album a distinct own voice, but also pushes it in the direction of the now over-present new folk rock. Frank Turner deserves the moniker most of all acts pushed into this category. His voice rocks all over the album, while his songs, almost without an exception, have a harsher rock element. At the same time Frank Turner tends to draw between the lines, like the best pupil in the kindergarten drawing class. The way the piano is used reminds me of the playing of Roy Bittan (yes, and Benny Anderson), spacious and creating a relaxing atmosphere. Even in the busyness of all else that might me going on around it.

The trick on 'Four simple words' is not unique for Tape deck heart, but not done better. Frank Turner sings Dropkick Murphys like, the drums play that way, but the guitar and piano are allowed to create loads of dynamics in the song, including a short wind down and a vaudeville sequence. It is varieties of this kind that make Tape deck heart grow, what gives it its potency and down to earthness. Somehow Frank Turner knows how to combine everything between Abba, Bruce Springsteen, various singer-songwriters, folkrock, Damien Rice and Dropkick Murphys. No mean feat, if I'm allowed to say so, as it is done very convincing without losing himself in the process. At times a bit too much American influenced, i.e. to neatly produced, but never dull.

Lyricwise some songs delve deep. From the self-inflicted scars on his arms and the forlorn love of Amy in 'Tell tale signs', to the broken boys and girls in 'The fisher king blues', Frank Turner has several stories to tell. An epic song like the last one mentioned is just as easily followed by a utterly vulnerable song like 'Anymore'. A voice and a guitar. The voice remains forceful though, despite the end of love. 'Oh brother' next kicks of with a nice guitar note progression with a slight twang on top, but is about how deep a friendship can go.

Tape deck heart is a rich album by an artist who seems to be at the top of his game. Confident and at home with his songs, that are presented in the best way he knows is possible. Time for Frank Turner to make a next step in his career it seems.

Wo.

You can listen to 'Recovery' here.