Live Review: Frank Turner And The Sleeping Souls / Snuff / Pet Needs / Truckstop Honeymoon – 02 Academy Brixton, London 25.09.2022

The Folk Punk star Frank Turner finally heads out on tour again with a mammoth lineup with his provocative and joyous singalong set to a mass gathered audience with big hearted anthems! Known for his provocative views on right wing sediments which have sparked debates in the past and have led to doughs to which direction he was heading! Since then he has kept his political views more hidden! Tonight, with a slick stage manner he urges the Audience to look after each other and form a circle in the middle of the floor.

Fitting nicely with tonight’s folk laden entertainment were two piece, opener ‘Truckstop Honeymoon’ with some on the road stories about bass player Katie Euliss and plenty of banter. They certainly did not take anything seriously but played Johnny Cash like high energy folk songs together with a standing bass, Guitar and Banjo to boot.

On the contrary Colchester’s own four piece band ‘Pet Needs’ were the most energetic and charismatic on stage, bringing with them some new songs as well as playing fan favourite ’Laundry’! Recently releasing the new album ‘Primetime Entertainment’ Pet needs brought some energy into the large Brixton Academy space with frantic emotional songs, with the likes of ‘Ibiza in winter’. The band seem to be having a time of their lives with mosh pits forming and lead singer Johnny Marriot singing his lungs out! Frank Turner is a friend and fan of the band and has mastered their album ‘Fractured Party Music’.

Brixton was treated with another support slot with the likes of ‘Snuff’ with some great melodies and UK British street Punk! The band’s set was a solid affair with some Motown melodies thrown in. None of the songs broke the 3 minute mark with some horns and a scattering of organ to add to the quirky set.

With the opening track, ‘Four simple Words’ Frank turner opened his mega 25 set with the loudest cheer from the audience. The crowds took to heart when they were addressed, If you know the words, do sing along..’ The latest album ‘FHTC’ played a heavy focus throughout the night, with tracks like; ’Punches’ and ‘Haven’t Been Doing so Well’ receiving an overwhelming response Frank turners live experience is different to the recorded outings as it’s full on energy and participation from the audience with magical sing along to the likes of ‘I still believe’ and can still give a good rock show!