Frank Turner (Union Chapel, 19.12.15)
Frank Turner took to the stage at Union Chapel on Saturday declaring that "It's my last show of the year, I've decided to play the songs that I want to play". The result was the sort of show that I've been waiting to see from him for a while, as he delved into the furthest reaches of his back catalogue. "Broken Piano", last seen accompanied by flames at the 02 Arena last year, proved an effective solo ballad, whilst his performance of "Glorious You" from his new record possessed a sense of nuance and depth lacking from the full band version.
It's fun seeing Turner cut a little loose and there's a fun running thread of him playing a series of songs on the subject of past loves after mentioning that he's in a new relationship. "To Take You Home" is undeniably schmaltzy but Turner sells it well. By far the best of these is "Redemption". The tale of a relationship crumbling apart, it's often requested but seldom played. It's one of my highlights of my evening.
He rightly hails Ben Marwood for a fine support set before playing the catchy "Pass It Along" which namechecks him and various other musicians. Interestingly, he laments the fact that none of his fans have ever requested "Undeveloped Film", suggesting that he considers it to be one of his best songs. It's a bit ponderous for my tastes but he's plays so many of my favourite songs of his that it's difficult to complain. A rendition of "I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous" tonight feels genuinely life affirming and takes me back to my first few Turner shows*.
A rousing finale of the always brilliant "The Ballad of Me and My Friends" and "Eulogy" brings the crowd to its feet.It's a fine ending to a year of gigs, for him and for me.
*I think I've now seen him 18 times or something insane.
It's fun seeing Turner cut a little loose and there's a fun running thread of him playing a series of songs on the subject of past loves after mentioning that he's in a new relationship. "To Take You Home" is undeniably schmaltzy but Turner sells it well. By far the best of these is "Redemption". The tale of a relationship crumbling apart, it's often requested but seldom played. It's one of my highlights of my evening.
He rightly hails Ben Marwood for a fine support set before playing the catchy "Pass It Along" which namechecks him and various other musicians. Interestingly, he laments the fact that none of his fans have ever requested "Undeveloped Film", suggesting that he considers it to be one of his best songs. It's a bit ponderous for my tastes but he's plays so many of my favourite songs of his that it's difficult to complain. A rendition of "I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous" tonight feels genuinely life affirming and takes me back to my first few Turner shows*.
A rousing finale of the always brilliant "The Ballad of Me and My Friends" and "Eulogy" brings the crowd to its feet.It's a fine ending to a year of gigs, for him and for me.
*I think I've now seen him 18 times or something insane.
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