Frank Turner album review: FTHC is his most personal yet

FRANK TURNER sings through past trauma on his most vulnerable album to date

February 11, 2022 Category: Albums, Reviews

Frank Turner

FRANK TURNER

FTHC (Xtra Mile)

On his raw and ferocious ninth solo outing, FTHC, Frank Turner tells stories of overcoming hardship. Whether it’s recalling parental neglect on Fatherless, admitting his former addictions on Untainted Love, or even confronting his privileges on My Bad, these songs are deeply personal.

However, the album is ultimately hopeful as Miranda talks about how Turner’s father coming out as transgender improved their relationship, while The Gathering serves as a triumphant celebration of live music written in the early days of lockdown.

A Wave Across A Bay is a beautiful tribute to the late Scott Hutchinson from Frightened Rabbit that brilliantly balances vibrant melodies with cascading guitars. Later, Little Life and Farewell To My City, while acknowledging the tribulations of the past, prove to be bittersweet pieces about moving forward in spite of them. It’s this art for contrast and storytelling that makes FTHC captivating.

words ALEX SWIFT

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