Since I knew I was going to be seeing My Chemical Romance, I knew I was also going to be seeing Turnstile open for them. Aside from watching their performances on late night shows from Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, I hadn’t really done any other digging into their music, but knew I wanted to. Nothing like an upcoming show to get me moving.
What a treat these guys were! From a distance, there’s not much variation in the vocals offered by lead singer Brendan Yates, but the intricate and eclectic compositions of Glow On is what made it more exciting and just downright good. These guys represent the hardcore punk scene, but I think this album could appeal to almost anyone. I bought this record sight unseen and was surprised when I went to go listen that there were fifteen tracks, but remembered that they still have punk at their roots, so none of these songs ever touched the three minute mark. Sometimes that made me sad, but for most of them, it really worked.
Singles “Mystery” and “Blackout” are both fantastic, but I give the edge to the latter. Another one that is vastly different but equally as hypnotic is “Underwater Boi.” “Dance-Off” is one that will really get you moving, where “T.L.C. (Turnstile Love Connection)” will really get you moving. Perhaps the one song that didn’t really appeal to me from two listen-throughs was actually a popular track featuring Blood Orange, “Alien Love Call.” Who knows, I’ll probably get there but for now it’s not making the grade for me. All of that to say that this was a really fun, solid record and it makes me want to go through their back catalog and see what else they’ve done. I know they’ve been around for a good while, but I’ve never heard of them until last year. Better late than never.
I’d say if punk is your jam then definitely give these guys a listen, but honestly with this last record, I think it’s fair game for anyone to enjoy. Go listen!