So Frank Turner released his “Losing Days EP” and I’m in love with the little 4-track collection.
The opening track is “Losing Days”, obviously. It’s from his most recent album, “Tape Deck Heart”, and it’s one of the best on the record. It’s beautiful and heartfelt, and has so many wonderful layers. The chorus definitely hits hard: “I keep losing days that used to take a lifetime in the blink of an eye. And all these small ideas are suddenly commitments, as greatness slips on by.” It’s a nice way to open up the EP and set the mood.
The next tune, “Hits & Mrs” is already great because of the clever title. Frank’s voice is soft and gentle but has the same power to chill to the bone. It’s a simple song that is totally gorgeous. It’s about a girl named Margo, who is clearly his love. The tune is a vessel for him to express his clear adoration and appreciation for the woman he loves; “She’s the only thing left that keeps the demons at bay” is a line that articulates that and pretty much sums up their relationship, or seems to. This is the best love song and I can’t get enough of it. Thank you, Frank, for writing a good song to have a significant other listen to that isn’t cheesy and lame.
“Longing For The Day” almost made me cry, really. I love how quiet and fragile it is. He has the ability to convey extreme emotions in a bleak and stark way, and it’s what makes the song so successful. The melody is unique and calming. “I haven’t been as strong as I had thought I’d be, but I think I’ve been stronger…so let’s do that exercise where you close your eyes and fall back on to me and you will see I’m strong after all.” What a poet. That lyric is stunning and flawless and one of the best the man has ever written.
The last track is “Who’s Got A Match”. The complex guitar and scratchy vocals are paired for a powerful and nearly ominous feel. It is deep and unlike anything else he’s ever written. If he’s headed in this direction, wow. It’s almost darker feeling and not quite angry, but spiteful. Regardless, he pulls it off well and it’s a good note to leave the EP on- “I’m a fire and I’ll burn, burn, burn tonight.”
Frank Turner can do no wrong, and this “Losing Days EP” will satiate my hunger for new music from him for now. What a genius.