Review / 200 Words Or Less
Frank Turner
Rock and Roll EP

It has been a busy year for England’s beloved folk-punk troubadour and in lieu of a new album, he’s delivered a new EP to further whet the appetite of his fans. Instead of a set of ‘rock n’ roll’ tracks, this EP is about the notion of Rock & Roll and its power; the excellent mini-essay included in the CD booklet provides further insight.

Only one track here is set to make a re-appearance on the next album, the belter of an opener “I Still Believe,” a more refined track than he’s produced before. Whilst making use of the numerous crowds he’s played to in the summer is a great idea in principal, it makes it abundantly obvious that it’s a song best heard live, with you participating.

Fellow belter, “To Absent Friends” is the highlight of this EP, dedicated to an ex-Million Dead roadie, it’s a boisterous rock song in the vein of “Photosynthesis” and “Long Live the Queen.” If any track from this EP deserves to be on the next album, it’s this one. However, I suspect it will remain a small gem for the more invested fan to hold beloved.

Of the other tracks featured, the heartfelt “Pass It Along” and the stripped back bittersweet “Rock & Roll Romance” are both perfectly enjoyable but don’t linger in the mind whilst “The Next Round,” is a forgettable bluesy track that really didn't need to be here.

Hopefully the wait for the next album won’t be too long, but for now consider the fans' appetites sated.