Year in Rock 2011 Nominee: Frank Turner

FRANK TURNER
Peggy Sang the Blues

From: England Keep My Bones
Released: June 7

With a background in post-hardcore, it's no surprise that Frank Turner's albums found distribution on Epitaph, one of the planet's foremost punk labels. The surprise lays in the grooves of his records; England Keep My Bones sees Turner once again proving his considerable chops as a songwriter while moving away from his earlier, more politically minded efforts and toward themes with broader appeal. Instead of railing against injustices and issues of the day, his sights are set on big picture problems. Religion is touched upon with Glory Hallelujah, a song Turner wrote as an atheist anthem. It's scathing and hilarious, and isn't for the pure of faith. Meanwhile, mortality pops up here and there, most notably on lead single Peggy Sang the Blues. A full sounding, classic sounding track dedicated to Turner's late grandmother, it's the sound of a man and his band (since credited as the Sleeping Souls) giving their all to a performance that they've got every confidence in. And they should; it's a fantastic song that kicks off a fantastic record. England Keep My Bones is an attention-worthy album full of hooks, heart and balls. He'd already built a solid reputation in the UK, but Frank Turner should earn himself plenty of exposure Stateside soon. Which usually means eventual moderate airplay after releasing another masterpiece in three years; am I right Biffy Clyro?

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