Be More Kind

Released in 2018, Be More Kind is Frank Turner's seventh studio album and marks a deliberate departure from the raw, live-band energy of its predecessor, Positive Songs for Negative People. Produced by Austin Jenkins and Joshua Block (formerly of White Denim) alongside Charlie Hugall, the record introduces electronic elements and a more pop-oriented sensibility to Turner's folk-rock foundation. Lyrically, the album was heavily influenced by the political climate of 2016, specifically Brexit and the US election, but it chooses to respond with a message of interpersonal empathy rather than partisan anger. It is the final album to feature long-time drummer Nigel Powell, marking the end of an era for his backing band, The Sleeping Souls. While some long-time fans were surprised by the cleaner production and synth-heavy tracks like 'Blackout', the album was praised for its thematic cohesion and Turner's willingness to evolve his sound beyond the folk-punk niche.