HEAVY MUSIC HISTORY: Poetry Of The Deed – Frank Turner

Released in September 2009 by folk-punk troubadour FRANK TURNER, Poetry Of The Deed marked a significant moment in his career. It was his third studio album following in the footsteps of 2007’s Sleep Is For The Week and 2008’s Love, Ire & Song. Whilst these records introduced Turner’s distinctive blend of folk and punk with introspective lyrics and raw energy, Poetry Of The Deed was a deliberate shift towards a fuller band sound with a more expansive rock approach. The album served as a crucial moment in Turner’s from underground cult favourite to a more mainstream artist, setting the stage for the wider recognition he would achieve in the years to follow. 

Upon its release, Poetry Of The Deed entered the UK album charts at Number 36, a respectable showing that indicated Turner’s growing appeal. A notable improvement on Love, Ire & Song which peaked at 49. The chart performance of Poetry Of The Deed was also a clear sign that Turner’s fanbase was also expanding, with his music beginning to resonate with a broader audience beyond the die-hard folk-punk community that had supported him from the beginning. The album also performed moderately well abroad too, reflecting his burgeoning international appeal too. Whilst it didn’t break into the top echelons of the charts in markets like the United States, it helped to establish his presence on the global musical scene. This was aided by Turner’s relentless touring schedule, which saw him playing hundreds of shows a year, often in smaller venues where his intimate and energetic performances would help him win over new fans. 

Critically, Poetry Of The Deed received mixed to positive reviews. Many critics praised FRANK TURNER for his lyrical prowess and ability to convey emotion and personal narrative through his songs. Tracks such as The Road and Try This At Home were highlighted for their anthemic quality due to their ability to engage with the listener with both their energy and message within. Title track Poetry Of The Deed was noted for its introspective lyrics, dealing with themes like mortality and living life to the fullest, much like fellow track Live Fast, Die Old which were and still are recurring themes in Turner’s work that have resonated throughout his career. 

Dan’s Song was a more laid back track, a simple acoustic piece that charmingly captures a slice of everyday life, capturing the spirit of spending time with friends, showcasing Turner’s ability to write relatable and down to earth tracks that let you celebrate the ordinary moments in life. Another track on the album Isabel slows things down a little for a more melancholic moment that explores the themes of love, longing and the complexities of a relationship. Fans appreciated the more emotional depth and storytelling with this song which contrasted with the more upbeat tracks of the record. Stand out track of the record, Sons Of Liberty draws upon historical references and acts of defiance. It’s a rousing, energetic song that continues the tradition of protest songs within the folk-punk genre. It’s a powerful anthem that fits right in alongside the album’s broader themes of actions, living according to one’s principles. 

However, some critics felt that the album’s shift towards a more polished, band-driven sound somewhat diluted the rawness that had been characterised in Turner’s earlier works. While the full-band arrangements added a new dimension to his music, bringing in a richer sonic palette and greater dynamism, they also marked a departure from the more stripped down, acoustic approach that many had initially found appealing. This evolution in sound was a double edged sword; while it allowed FRANK TURNER to reach a wider audience, it also risked alienating some of his early supporters who cherished the intimacy of his previous records. Despite these criticisms, the album was largely seen as a successful experiment in expanding Turner’s musical boundaries. It solidified his reputation as a versatile artist who was willing to take risks and evolve his sound, rather than staying confined to a single genre or style. 

Poetry Of The Deed came at a time when the folk-punk genre was gaining increased visibility and Turner’s success played a significant role in this trend. By 2009, the indie-folk scene was flourishing, artists such as LAURA MARLING and MUMFORD & SONS were starting to make waves. Turner’s blend of punk energy with folk sensibility positioned him as a bridge between these worlds, contributing to the mainstreaming of a genre that had long existed on the fringes of popular music. 

The album’s themes of self-determination, political awareness and the importance of being alive resonated with a generation of listeners who were navigating a world marked by economic uncertainty and political upheaval. Songs like Try This At Home with a DIY ethos became anthems for a generation of music fans who valued authenticity and independence in their art. In this way, Poetry Of The Deed not only captured the spirit of its time, but also influenced the trajectory of folk-punk as a genre, helping to push it further into the mainstream. Moreover, Poetry Of The Deed played a pivotal role in boosting Turner’s stardom. The album’s success allowed him to embark on larger tours and play bigger venues. In 2010 he supported punk icons GREEN DAY on their UK stadium tour. All of this eventually lead to his historic headlining performance at London’s Wembley Arena in 2012. A concert which took place in front of 12,000 fans was a milestone for not just FRANK TURNER, but for the punk-folk movement, symbolising the genre’s arrival on the big stage. 

Poetry Of The Deed can be seen as a crucial turning point in FRANK TURNER’s career. It was an album that bridged his earlier, more niche work with the mainstream success that he would enjoy in the 2010s following the releases of 2011’s England Keep My Bones and 2013’s Tape Deck Heart, both phenomenal albums in their own right. It may not be regarded as his most critically acclaimed album, but the significance of it lies in its role as a stepping stone that propelled him to greater heights. The album’s blend of personal and political themes, coupled with its more expansive sound, set the stage for FRANK TURNER to become one of the most respected singer-songwriters of his generation. 

To conclude, Poetry Of The Deed stands as a significant album in Turner’s discography. It captured the moment of transition for the artist, both in terms of sound and audience reach. Its long-term impact on FRANK TURNER‘s career and its influence on the broader music scene cannot be overstated. As a record that helped to shape the trajectory of folk-punk in the late 2000s, Poetry Of The Deed remains a vital piece of Turner’s legacy and a testament to his growth as an artist. 

Poetry Of The Deed was originally released on September 7th, 2009 via Xtra Mile Recordings.

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