Frank Turner’s tenth studio album, Undefeated is heralded in accompanied by a world record attempt: to play the highest number of shows in different cities in a 24-hour period.
Given that his ongoing show tally is currently sitting at 2,877 (as of May ‘24), with show 3000 already in the works, it’s not surprising that he was able to smash the grueling schedule and is currently awaiting verification from Guinness.
While Turner himself may soon be a title-holder, does his new album live up to its name?
Undefeated is the tenth studio album from Frank Turner since 2006; evolving from “campfire punk rock” to a richer, indie folk sound over the last two decades. As well as his work ethic, it’s not hard to tell that Turner genuinely loves music; making it, listening to it, and the connections it brings. Undefeated explores both this love, and his distain for those in and outside of the industry who “gatekeep” art.
The album begins with a bit of a middle finger in the direction of those naysayers – with the upbeat ‘Do One’ acting as a reminder that not everyone is going to like you – and that it says more about them than it does about you. The “do-do-do” singalong chorus will get stuck in your head, but it’s infinitely preferable to Baby Shark. I quite enjoyed it.
Next up is ‘Never Mind the Back Problems’ – a 90 second punk romp, which seems appropriate to the length of time I’d be able to last in a circle pit these days. I can imagine played live, it would be ridiculously fun.
For me, this is a recurring theme of the album. Some of the songs and – not to yuck anyone elses’s yum – are a little cheesy for my own taste as an elder emo. ‘Girl in the Record Shop’ is another bop, and ‘Pandemic PTSD’ is good for a nod of the head and a very relatable lyric or two. ‘No Thank You for the Music’ very literally explores the cliques and cliches of music genres and gangs, and will lead to a fantastic festival singalong with the repeated line: “I don’t want to be in your gang.”
But it’s when the tempo slows down I really find myself paying attention. ‘Ceasefire’ feels to be the most introspective song on the album – a dedication to his younger self, asking “fifteen year old Francis” to help him find peace with the person he is now. As a former angry teen with a distain for everything “ordinary,” I would be mildly disappointed (to put it lightly) to find myself living in a respectable semi in the suburbs of my hometown doing the school run every morning, instead of the envisaged Greenwich Village studio writing nihilistic science fiction and the occasional best-selling album. It’s a stand-out track which I will definitely be keeping in rotation.
For me, the appeal of Turner’s songwriting lies in being able to identify key themes that run through most of our lives, and that draw in fans, old and new, with each poignant lyric. Whether that’s looking at society and human behaviour, or lamenting the loss of a relationship from your formative years.
In ‘Letters,’ Turner admits that “Both of us know it wasn’t love in the end…I’ve been missing your missives and mourning our youth.” I feel you, Frank.
The title track, ‘Undefeated’, takes it down a notch, a beautiful piano ballad, where we being “stood in the middle of life love and loss” but with a message of hope:
“When it feels like the work was for nothing
And you’re wrecked and in retreat
Survival adds up to something Independent, undefeated.”
A perfect finale.
Ultimately, I would recommend you take the time to have a listen, decide for yourself – and find your own favourite songs amongst the tracks. It’s most definitely in the spirit of the album.
Words by Kate Burke
Picky Bastards 