Alternative music lovers have no fear, 2014 is not looking so bleak after all.

Although the genre itself has become considerably less anti-anything-and-everything-popular and more formulaic with a heavy boy/man-band presence, alternative (and indie as well) still reigns supreme for those looking for an escape from the overwhelming sputum of pop/rock/country/rap/dance crossovers that radio stations covet. And for those of us who are always looking for intriguing new songs to have stuck in our minds, Frank Turner is back.

Turner is a British alternative musician who is generally considered to be a mix of folk music and punk rock. He has released five solo albums and various other collections since his 2005 split from the band Million Dead. In the nine years since then, his music has been mostly acoustic, a huge leap from the heavy punk sound of his pre-solo career.

On February 2, he released the EP “Polaroid Picture,” which consists of five songs: the title song, three covers (of Billy Clyro’s “Who’s Got a Match,” Frightened Rabbit’s “The Modern Leper,” and the Weakerthans’ “Plea from a Cat Named Virtute”), and a new song, “Sweet Albion Blues.” The EP marked the start of Turner’s tour of the United Kingdom.

“Polaroid Picture” is an inspirational look at memories and change. Turner sings, “Let go of the little distractions / Hold close to the ones that you love / Because we won’t all be here this time next year / So while you can, take a picture of us” with a voice that echoes the sound of Counting Crows (Turner covered their hit “Anna Begins” in 2013).

The covers are well-done and easily could be confused with his original songs, proving not only his talent for selecting songs, but also his ability to adapt those songs to fit his style.

“Sweet Albion Blues” is much faster-paced but still acoustic. It’s one of those songs that I can imagine trying to sing in the middle of traffic but only managing to stumble through a verse or so before getting winded. The lyrics are clever and reflect a sort of originality that only comes with the music of singer/songwriters.

To put it simply, I approve.