Mittens

Released in March 2016, the Mittens EP serves as a companion piece to Frank Turner's sixth studio album, Positive Songs for Negative People. While the parent album leaned into a 'live-in-studio' punk energy, Mittens showcases a more melodic, pop-sensible side of Turner's craft. The title track appears here in a 'Single Mix' that adds layers of radio-ready polish and percussion. The EP is notable for its inclusion of 'The Armadillo', a fan-favorite cover of the Flanders and Swann classic, which highlights Turner's roots in traditional English folk-humor. Sonically, the record is a departure from his 'folk punk' label, leaning heavily into Americana and heartland rock influences. Critics noted the EP's shift toward more sophisticated arrangements, particularly the use of keys and backing vocals to create a sense of space and melancholy that is often absent from his more frantic acoustic work.