Frank Turner, 93 Feet East, review: He might have a bad cold, but remains fierce and confessional

The 'Losing Days' singer is a fierce champion of smaller music venues

Roisin O'Connor
Friday 30 January 2015 11:49 GMT
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Frank Turner performing at 93 Feet East
Frank Turner performing at 93 Feet East

Show #1632 is a rather special one for Frank Turner. In the dim light of 93 Feet East on the fourth day of Independent Music Week, he reveals that this is the scene of his first official gig. Tonight he has a cold, but the raucous audience are perfectly capable of helping out.

Without his band, the set is even more stripped-back than usual, and the intimacy of the venue suits him far more than any arena. Songs from Tape Deck Heart are confessional, full of sincerity and comical charm.

Tracks like “Losing Days” seem to have been carved right out of his soul, and he sings them that way: uplifting and hopeful despite the morose words.

His anger at anyone who threatens the gig venues that are the lifeblood of cities like London shines through the night; fierce enough to have members of the audience clenching their fists at this attack on culture.

Showing little sign of fatigue in the closing song, Turner climbs onto a monitor for one final roar. It’s overwhelming to see the passion one artist can ignite: the kind of event that can only be witnessed in a venue like this. Long may it continue.

Independent Music Week runs until Sunday. You can find out more about it here

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