Frank Turner & Chris TT (Brighton)

Proper political acts are few and far between these days. Idiot bandwagon jumping and U2-style posturing is more the order of the day (how many bands at Live 8 actually offset the carbon emissions it took to perform?), so it’s refreshing to see tonight’s excellent line-up of angry young men genuinely prepared to do something for what they believe in.

First up is hardworking Brighton favourite Chris TT. For a crowd seemingly only here to see headliner Frank Turner, TT’s set is warmly received. Justly furious at the degradation of civil rights, misleading of the public and even fox-hunting (his song 'The Huntsman' is the highlight), the rabble are well and truly roused into scornful mockery of authority. A packed room hangs on his every poignant word, particular an unsettling a cappella diatribe.

Frank Turner is the (albeit half the size) Chris TT with more polished songs and a full backing band adding texture to the raw emotion of the preceding solo artist, who now joins on electronic piano. This adoring crowd are treated to a set full of tracks from incredibly affecting new album ‘Love, Ire And Song’. Where the crowd were earlier listening in silent appreciation, Turner, an old-fashioned folk singer with the added energy of what label-happy critics have called ‘folk-core’ (he used to front hardcore punk band Million Dead), starts a full on party. In true protest spirit, there’s a good cause behind the fun and it’s almost as if Turner’s some community leader popping in to remind his followers of what they’re fighting for. The new record’s stunningly catchy song-writing shines through as the brazenly direct message is heard, loud and clear.

Righteous indignation has never been so righteous or indignant. The future of protest music is in safe hands.

Hanbury Club, Brighton, 21st April 2008.

Written by Nick Aldwinckle.