UK folk-punk rocker Frank Turner is in the midst of an ambitious tour of the US. He’s living up to his moniker of one of the hardest touring rockers out there today. He’s hitting all 50 states in 50 days, no small feat! Most shows are with his full band, The Sleeping Souls, but there are a handful of solo shows and duet shows with keyboardist Matt Nasir to make all 50 states a doable proposition. This is the first time “post-pandemic” that Frank has had his full band with him on this side of the Atlantic. Was it ever great to see them firing on all cylinders once again! The first full-band show was in Portland, Maine and it was a joyous occasion indeed!
Opening the nights on full band shows is a newcomer to the US, Pet Needs. This high-energy band from the UK is one to watch. They are very reminiscent of Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls opening shows for Social Distortion in 2010. They are an intense band of young English punk rockers that take hold of the audience from the first note and don’t release them until the last one. The joy they are having on stage is transmitted to the crowd making it one of the most enjoyable opening sets that this reviewer has seen in many years.
They come out to sell their own merchandise after each band’s set to meet the fans, as Frank did all those years ago. Clearly, Frank is teaching them the art of touring the US. Let’s hope this means the band will make numerous return trips “across the pond” as does their mentor. Their CD was mixed and mastered by Turner himself. “Fractured Party Music” is a great addition to anyone’s collection. However, to truly appreciate them, they need to be seen live.
Up next on the full band show nights is 20-year veteran LA hardcore punkers, The Bronx. Having seen The Bronx several times, I knew what to expect. It seemed that not many members of the loyal Frank Turner Army were expecting the frenetic explosion they were witnessing on stage. Many were quickly assimilated as frontman Matt Caughthran called out to the crowd and got a good solid circle pit going. During several shows thus far, Caughthran himself left the stage and joined the crowd to instigate the pit up close and personal.
The hammering rhythm section and grinding lead guitar work of The Bronx are clearly the driving forces behind the music. However, it’s Caughthran who draws the crowd in with his ever-present smile and engaging stage personality. The band isn’t flashy. They are clearly a working-class punk band. They draw you in, chew you up, spit you out, and make you want more!
For a limited number of shows, legendary Virginian punkers Avail were on the bill. I managed to catch them in both Boston and New York and was completely blown away by these veterans. A majority of the lineup has changed since its inception 35 years ago but the intensity of their music certainly hasn’t! It’s hard to tell who the actual frontman is, lead singer Tim Barry or wild-man cheerleader “Beau Beau” Butler. Frankly, who cares!? They are as much fun to watch as they are to listen to. Frank Turner himself was seen side stage, enthralled by what was transpiring in front of him.
The band has come and gone and now returned over the years. Perhaps the shows on this bill will get their creative juices flowing and maybe, just maybe we will see a new release from these Richmond wildmen. Even if we don’t see new material, maybe they will remember the joys of live performances. Maybe they will take to the road once again. Only time will tell!
Finally, the moment everyone in the crowd had been waiting several years for. Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls hit the stage. As the opening bands led up to, FT&SS have returned to a more hard-edged set. The same can be said for their latest release simply titled “FTHC”. These are the long-standing initials of Frank Turner Hard Core. Like the release, the live show has some slower, tender, personal moments. However, also like FTHC, the show is packed with pure hardcore energy that leaves one breathless.
The live sets have consisted of a good mix of old and new. The shows I attended all began with Frank taking the stage on his own, leaving the Sleeping Souls backstage. He broke into “Four Simple Words” and eventually was joined by the band when the song broke into the punk maelstrom that it is. From there it was a pleasurable journey through the Turner catalog. Memorable moments were many. These included Frank’s ode to mental well-being, “Haven’t Been Doing So Well” and his poignant solo ballad, “Be More Kind”. For the old-school fans, “I Still Believe” and “Photosynthesis” were mainstays with “The Road” eventually being tossed into the mix.
This US tour marked the first time the newest member of the Sleeping Souls, drummer Callum Green, hit the US shores. Taking the spot of longtime drummer Nigel Powell, the young Callum doesn’t miss a beat. (pun intended) He fits in well with this established band of miscreants. It can often be difficult for a new member of a band to fit in. Having met Callum it’s easy to see why he’s working out well. He has an easy-going personality and really enjoys doing what he does. Not only that, as with all of the Sleeping Souls, he gives each performance everything he’s got!
The 50/50 tour has made its run through the Northeast and mid-Atlantic area but there are still a lot of shows left to be seen. Do yourself a favor and hit this tour and get there early! Tour dates and info … HERE
