FRANK TURNER/THE INTERRUPTERS – LIVE @ THE DOME

Frank Turner and his band, The Sleeping Souls, played an amazing set on May 10th in the Dome at the Toyota Oakdale Theater. Co-headliners, The Interrupters also delivered a fantastic show.

I have to thank my good friend and prodigious photographer Rich Russo (a frequent contributor to AMP) for securing a place for me on the guest list. Even though AMP has had over 650,000 views in our existence, we are still considered a small media outlet. Both Turner and The Interrupters’ people didn’t answer our request to cover the show for a feature. We don’t get approved for every show but at least we usually get some kind of response. Thanks Rich, this would have been a terrible show to miss. It was absolutely killer.

The night opened with singer/songwriter Chuck Ragan. Ragan is a captivating performer whose voice packs a wallop. His sound is full of dynamic textures. His music is a cross between Springsteen and Jason Isbell. Ragan’s songs are incredible short stories that resonates well with his listeners. His singular raspy voice filled the Dome with an air of fierce tranquility. Songs like “Wish on the Moon” and “Revved” enlivened the crowd. He closed out with a spirited “For Broken Ears”. Ragan is a sparkling talent that is worth a well deserved listen.

Photos Rich Russo

“Title Holder” and “Judge Not” followed and the room was getting into a driving flow. “On a Turntable” had the audience moving to its uptempo beat. Three fan favorite songs from The Interrupters‘ 15 song set were from their newest album released this year, In The Wild (Deluxe Edition), via Hellcat Records. “Raised By Wolves”, “Anything Was Better” and “In The Mirror” elated the hefty throng. All the while, Aimee bewitched the room with her titanic voice and heartfelt charm. The brothers Bivona’s musicianship was just as impressive with Kevin and Justin flying all over the stage.

The Interrupters came on stage with a bang. The L.A. ska/punk ensemble opened with a rousing “Take Back the Power”. Lead singer Aimee Interrupter was a fireball. She controlled the room with her charismatic persona even though experiencing audio issues. Guitarist Kevin Bivona was just as animated. Kevin’s twin brothers, Justin (Bass) and Jesse (Drums) round out the band. Also on board was touring member and Ct. native Billy Kottage (Keys/Trombone) who added an additional depth.

Another point that was immensely profound was when Aimee sang their ode to the disenfranchised, “Alien”, sitting off the stage with minimum orchestration and her husband Kevin strumming his soulful guitar. You could hear her sincere intonations and emotive delivery. It was a special moment. Right after, The Interrupters dove into “Family” and the band brought out father Bivona to play a trumpet solo. The Dome erupted with a joyful outburst. The band ended with their massive hit, ” She’s Kerosene”. I’m still skanking.

Frank Turner is my new god. The man is a beast live. Turner‘s songs are full of intoxicating fire and brimstone. Every tune is a barrage of explosive TNT. He opened with “Punches” off his latest full length, FTHC, released via Xtra Mile Recordings last year. Right from the start, the room was energized. His band , The Sleeping Souls, doled out chunks of aural dynamite. Ben LLoyd on guitar was intense with brazen riffs. Tarrant Anderson on bass was rampaging. Matt Nasir on piano/organ delivered infectious rhythms while Callum Green’s drums were barrelling. The entire band cranked.

Turner‘s sound is hard to describe. He brews a mixture of punk, folk and straight rock & roll into a concoction that is unique to him. In addition, his songs devote themselves to the trial, tribulation and elation of the common man. All of his nine albums are snapshots of his life and his experiences as an artist and a human being. The man is a social troubadour to the extreme degree.

Photos Rich Russo

This night, Turner was relentless. He peppered the house with stimulating tracks and amazing performances. His charge of the audience was amazing. Every soul was fixated on his massive energy. He dispatched tunes from quite a few of his releases. “!993” and “Be More Kind” from Be More Kind (2018). FTHC showcased “Non Serviam” and “Haven’t Been Doing So Well”. “I Still Believe” and “If Ever I Stray” from England Keep My Bones. The room sang along most of the night which further enhanced the musical sparks Turner was letting loose..

A beautiful spot in the show was when Turner sang solo. He performed “Be More Kind” and “Tattoos” just one to one and it was an extraordinary experience. His exchanges with the audience was totally sincere. His main message was “don’t be a dickhead” which reverberated well with the crowd. Turner finished with an outstanding rendition of “Four Simple Words” off his album Tape Deck Heart.

I must say this was a captivating night of hi-energy music. No one left disappointed.

To learn more about Frank Turner, check out their website

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