Frank Turner, Union Chapel, review: A gem of a gig for his most devoted fans
Intimate show gives the folk rocker the chance to be shamelessly self-indulgent with an acoustic set list
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Your support makes all the difference.Frank Turner shares his passionate love affair with England in many of his songs, so when asked to lead a gig in aid of UK-based homeless charity Shelter, it’s little surprise he said yes.
This intimate show at Islington's stunningly atmospheric Union Chapel was also a chance for the folk rocker, here without usual backing band The Sleeping Souls, to be shamelessly self-indulgent with an acoustic set list.
Those there purely for his big hits were destined for disappointment but for Turner's most devoted fans - and anyone who enjoys hearing rare songs live - this was a gem of a gig.
Opening with the melancholic and not unhymn-like "Broken Piano", Turner strummed out a string of predominantly B-sides and demos. He regaled fans with backstories, from “Song for Eva Mae”, dedicated to his goddaughter in the audience, to his personal underrated favourite, 'Undeveloped Film.
“Sweet Albion Blues” was a rousing highlight, while Turner was warmly chatty throughout. He may be used to leading mass sing-and-dance alongs in huge venues, but can tone it down and be just as electrifying chilling on a chair with a guitar. The standing ovation as he closed the night with “The Ballad of Me and My Friends” and “Eulogy”, proof.
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