Frank Turner - Photosynthesis

When mustering an attempt at sprightly folk pop, there's a fine line between the Waterboys and coming across as something straight out of Emmerdale. Frank Turner just about manages to stick to that line without veering off in either direction. On this booze-soaked ode to never growing up, his shouty shouty vocals never reach the level of sincerity that Mike Scott reached at his peak. Yet there is still an endearing world-weariness apparent throughout and the barn dance accompaniment rattles along with great gusto. If Frank pulled out his guitar down the pub for a wee sing-song it would be hard to begrudge him. [Pete Ballantine]