Posted on March 29, 2010 - by Editor

Frank Turner + Chuck Ragan + Crazy Arm

Frank Turner © Imelda Michalczyk

The Roundhouse
London, UK
Wednesday 24th March 2010

So my first trip to the legendary Roundhouse in Camden, one of the last remaining bastions of live music in the capital I had yet to venture into and what a lineup to lose my Roundhouse virginity.

All the hype and talk was unsurprisingly about the headliner himself in what I have now dubbed the ‘Frank Turner phenomenon’. To be honest my interest was far more vested in the performance of Chuck Ragan and to a lesser degree Crazy Arm but all three had their appeal for various reasons.

The Roundhouse is a massive venue, 3000 people had filled it out by the nights end, a sell out for some time but there could easily have been a few extra hundred squeezed in, probably strict health and safety rules or something restricting that? We got there reasonably early to have a chat with Chuck Ragan before any of the bands kicked off so we had a early sampling of the live sound and it wasn’t totally convincing but I was hoping the addition of a few extra thousand bodies would help sort that problem out. It’s a venue at which you can’t but marvel at the structure form within; with its sky reaching pillars and its circular shape, massive ceiling and unique feel.

Crazy Arm © Imelda Michalczyk

First up; Crazy Arm, who for a few months leading up to the event had been building a gentle din of excitement from various music fans and media outlets. The Plymouth based four piece lead by Darren Johns has robust energy and a likable presence with the music bursting in spurts of energy throughout. They do have a good variety and Darren who can perform as an accomplished solo musician as well varies the pace of the set with some slower tracks but generally the guitar driven sound tinges on Gaslight Anthem like energy but their roots vary from The Clash, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Woven Hand & Bruce Springsteen amongst others. Their debut album “Born To Ruin” was well received last year and with tours like this and European ventures during the year it will be interesting to watch these guys over the next 12 months. Chuck Ragan joins them for the last song ‘International Front’ which is a powerful and enduring song.

Chuck Ragan himself probably more well known for his time with Hot Water Music (who are back in June) but has had a prolific output the past few years as a solo artist and worked on a number of collaborations as well as initiating the Revival tour which is a homage to a variety of music including bluegrass, blues, folk amongst others. He is also currently working on a project with Brian Fallon of Gaslight Anthem, that I’m sure will get tails wagging.

Chuck Ragan © Imelda Michalczyk

On stage Chuck is joined by long time friend and collaborator Jon Gaunt, in all his bearded glory playing skillfully the violin and Digger Barnes on stand up bass. Also from the onset they are joined by a lovely red haired angelic voiced Vicky who they met through Crazy Arm on tour. The music varies in styles as is Chucks way, but its engaging, heartfelt and enjoyable, the lineup ever changing in his “Revival tour “ method  with Darren Johns joining in frequently and Frank Turner making an appearance towards the end of the set for a personal favorite of mine “Revival Road”. You can see the genuine appreciation on all of their faces and skilled musician’s apart, they thirst for the feel good but “fun time” show, bringing back real music and not taking anything for granted.

After a lengthy break the phenomenon of Frank Turner enters the stage with full accompanying band to a loud roar and clap attack of support from the crowd. A large percentage, as appreciative and polite as they were to the previous acts, were there for Frank, on what to date is his biggest ever headline show.

I had jokingly feared the chequered-clad army of fans that would be in attendance at the show, and Frank himself sporting afore mentioned shirt to his credibility has drawn in a varied crowd in terms of musical tastes, age and background. I’m still trying to find the key to why people have responded as religiously as they do to Mr. Turner (and this is no criticism, this is a talented singer, song writer and performer) but the hype has yet to grab hold of me, and friends in attendance have warned me to be patient; it eventually will!

The set starts with ‘Photosynthesis’ and followed up with ‘Try This’, a rapturous response to ‘Once We Were Anarchists’ before Frank engages with the massed crowd, appreciative, humbled and sincere for their ongoing support and attendance. Frank Tuner has an uncanny ability in his story telling to engage with the public, especially tales that people from the UK might more easily associate with, but his ease with which he strikes a chord is easy to see.

Between songs Frank is eager to discuss all things of importance to him, from politics to respect to sincerity and he wears his heart pinned firmly to his sleeve. He dispels personal mysteries such as the real muse to ‘Dan’s Song’ by introducing the real Dan to accompany him, semi drunk and play the accordion. These little touches go a long way to make the show far more intimate than this setting would suggest, but I think the fear of fans in attendance, whether they were really there from day one to support Frank as many seem to think- even though the beginning for him heralded crowds of under a dozen, they should rightfully be anxious that his popularity means the days of smaller shows are numbered.

In response throughout the entire set, as if on cue, the crowd sing in full voice and clap along-some trance like as I get slightly distracted and start people watching through the first half of the set. For me the shows last thirds is the most enjoyable, struggling to still deal with the euphoria all around me and my concern at my personal disconnection I feel to the whole event.

Frank fills in little gaps and nuances to the songs, references to loved ones or fiends in San Francisco on ‘To Take You Home’ and a boisterous sing along on ‘Sons of Liberty’ which was proceeded by Franks call for everyone to unite against what’s becoming an increasingly authorative and imposing government, by a call to action to break down the CCTV’s and stand up in unison.

Frank Turner © Imelda Michalczyk

Frank towards the sets close acknowledges the full support and comments that the big show is everything he had wished for. All the other performers join him on stage to a bit of banter as they discuss vocally the Revival tour, on which Frank will be joining Chuck in Australia soon  before playing ‘St Christopher Is Coming Home’ which is about keeping in touch with friends while on tour. Finally he plays radio hit “The Road” which increases the volume of the crowd singing tenfold with the simple but effective lyrics in the chorus

In what I’m confident was a last minute addition rather than pre planned encore Frank returns for a final song to show his appreciation as the crowd had started drifting out. Before ending the night with words he had begun, “I’m Frank turner and I’m from Winchester.”