After a quarter of a century in the industry, Frank Turner is no stranger to releasing music. His latest and tenth studio album “Undefeated” boasts sounds from many of his influences, a selection ranging from Elvis Costello to Black Flag, yet sound fresh and full of energy in their own right. There is an immediate flavour of punk within many tracks (“Do One”, “No Thank You For The Music” and the short but punchy “Never Mind the Back Problems”) The album was recorded and produced at Turner’s home studio with his backing band – The Sleeping Souls – providing the musical backdrop to lyrical themes centred around adulthood. “Ceasefire” “Letters” and “East Finchley” showcase the more sobering sides to adult life, with “On My Way” and the title track “Undefeated” proving a more softer approach musically – showing that sometimes the message can still get across just as well as louder, raucous songs. “Undefeated”’s shorter tracks often carry the influences from bands such as The Pogues, while “Girl From the Record Shop” reminds me very much of “I’m In Love With The Girl On The Manchester Virgin Megastore Check-out Desk” by Machester-based band The Freshies (intentional, maybe?)
“Undefeated” holds up really well for a tenth album, providing a journey of adult life, lyrical freedom and a rather fun punk / punk rock attitude throughout that wouldn’t sound out of place alongside Stiff Little Fingers and The Mescaleros-era Joe Strummer. If this is your first introduction to Frank Turner, you won’t be disappointed.