A Baltimore band that has become synonymous with the chaotic energy of hardcore punk has evolved into a force capable of drawing in thousands upon thousands of fans, not just within their native genre but from far beyond its original purview. Turnstile's meteoric rise to global stardom is nothing short of remarkable, given the humble beginnings they started out in.
The band's breakthrough came with the release of their album "Glow On" in 2021, which marked a departure from the raw intensity of their early days as hardcore punk outfits into a brighter and more vibrant sound. That shift towards pop-infused hooks and danceable beats made them instantly accessible to fans beyond the hardcore underground that gave birth to Turnstile.
Their latest album "Never Enough" sees the band continuing this expansion, incorporating elements of synth-pop, funk and jazz to create an expansive, atmospheric sound. The album features guest vocals from Paramore's Hayley Williams, Baltimore club music aficionado Shabaka Hutchings, and singer-songwriter Faye Webster, lending an air of sophistication to their already genre-bending sonic palette.
Turnstile has always relied on the kinetic energy of their live performances to deliver an immersive experience that is equal parts cathartic release and communal celebration. Frontman Brendan Yates' ability to catapult himself into the crowd during song changes was once a hallmark of the band's stage presence, even if it meant risking injury or worse for his health.
However, as the band grew in size and stature, their live shows became increasingly difficult to sustain without some form of barrier between them and the audience. So Turnstile now use video screens behind the stage to project images of fans from around the world - faces contorted with joy and rage alike - while the performers themselves continue to convey that infectious energy through sheer, unadulterated enthusiasm.
That was until a recent show in Richmond where all felt like they were on edge. For several seconds, it seemed as though an event had escalated beyond normal, prompting immediate concerns. Frontman Brendan Yates has since expressed his frustration at the officer involved's decision to "act cowardly" and spray a young 15-year-old fan with pepper spray.
At one point in conversation, justice Tripp – of Trapped Under Ice/ Angel Du$t fame - reflected on how Turnstile's rise as an outfit was indicative of Baltimore's broader cultural scene. "I've seen every young band from Baltimore brainstorming what they can do to have an impact like that," he noted. "It causes waves. It causes people to step outside what they know and redesign what it means to be an artist contributing to our culture or your city."
Their music has always had a way of bringing people together, creating spaces for collective catharsis and communal celebration, but this ethos seems to transcend their current sound, now incorporating elements from multiple genres. In short, the Baltimore band that started as hardcore punk is no longer content with being limited by its genre, using an evolving sonic palette to capture a wider audience.
Turnstile tour Europe and Ireland starting November 1; Never Enough was released in September of this year.
The band's breakthrough came with the release of their album "Glow On" in 2021, which marked a departure from the raw intensity of their early days as hardcore punk outfits into a brighter and more vibrant sound. That shift towards pop-infused hooks and danceable beats made them instantly accessible to fans beyond the hardcore underground that gave birth to Turnstile.
Their latest album "Never Enough" sees the band continuing this expansion, incorporating elements of synth-pop, funk and jazz to create an expansive, atmospheric sound. The album features guest vocals from Paramore's Hayley Williams, Baltimore club music aficionado Shabaka Hutchings, and singer-songwriter Faye Webster, lending an air of sophistication to their already genre-bending sonic palette.
Turnstile has always relied on the kinetic energy of their live performances to deliver an immersive experience that is equal parts cathartic release and communal celebration. Frontman Brendan Yates' ability to catapult himself into the crowd during song changes was once a hallmark of the band's stage presence, even if it meant risking injury or worse for his health.
However, as the band grew in size and stature, their live shows became increasingly difficult to sustain without some form of barrier between them and the audience. So Turnstile now use video screens behind the stage to project images of fans from around the world - faces contorted with joy and rage alike - while the performers themselves continue to convey that infectious energy through sheer, unadulterated enthusiasm.
That was until a recent show in Richmond where all felt like they were on edge. For several seconds, it seemed as though an event had escalated beyond normal, prompting immediate concerns. Frontman Brendan Yates has since expressed his frustration at the officer involved's decision to "act cowardly" and spray a young 15-year-old fan with pepper spray.
At one point in conversation, justice Tripp – of Trapped Under Ice/ Angel Du$t fame - reflected on how Turnstile's rise as an outfit was indicative of Baltimore's broader cultural scene. "I've seen every young band from Baltimore brainstorming what they can do to have an impact like that," he noted. "It causes waves. It causes people to step outside what they know and redesign what it means to be an artist contributing to our culture or your city."
Their music has always had a way of bringing people together, creating spaces for collective catharsis and communal celebration, but this ethos seems to transcend their current sound, now incorporating elements from multiple genres. In short, the Baltimore band that started as hardcore punk is no longer content with being limited by its genre, using an evolving sonic palette to capture a wider audience.
Turnstile tour Europe and Ireland starting November 1; Never Enough was released in September of this year.
their new album "Never Enough" is like a breath of fresh air, you can really hear them pushing boundaries and trying to create something new and exciting... and let's be real, their live shows are always a wild ride 
but at the same time, i'm so concerned about what happened in that show in richmond... pepper spray on a 15-year-old fan? that's just not cool 
Brendan yates needs to talk to someone about how he's handling this situation. but overall, turnstile is doing something special here and i'm all for it 
i loved how they took a risk on "Glow On" and expanded their sound, now they're taking it to a whole new level 
I'm so down for them to tour Europe and Ireland in Nov, it's gonna be EPIC 
can't wait to see what they do next!
Turnstile's rise to fame is wild 
I mean, who would've thought that a hardcore punk band from Baltimore would become this big of a deal? 
They're like the ultimate poster children for how music can bridge genres and bring people together 
Their new album "Never Enough" sounds so fire 
The fact that they're using video screens to project fans' faces on stage is such a cool touch 
It's like they're sharing the energy of their live shows with everyone who can't be there in person 
I remember when bands were just trying to make it out of their neighborhoods, you know? Turnstile's story is like something out of a movie 
. They went from being a tiny hardcore punk band to selling out shows and collabing with other artists... it's wild! 
. I hope they get justice for that poor kid. Anyway, I'm hyped to see them tour Europe and Ireland next month! 
The worst part is how the officer reacted - cowardly or whatever they want to call it... it's not even about the music anymore, it's about basic human decency 
it's like they're taking the whole world by storm! 
Brendan Yates' energy on stage is still 
. Can't wait for them to tour Europe & Ireland starting Nov 1 
and I'm so here for it 
.
. Don't get me wrong, their live shows are always infectious energy-wise, but it feels like they're trying too hard to appeal to everyone and lose some of that raw intensity in the process 
. And what's up with this "sophistication" thing? I mean, I love a good synth-pop beat as much as the next person, but it's just not Turnstile if you ask me 
... still think they should bring back some of those crazy crowd-surfing moments from their early days 
The collab is everything and more! 
also, gotta wonder if they're losing that raw energy from their hardcore punk roots in the process. Brendan Yates' antics on stage are still infectious but does he still feel like himself when playing all those fancy-schmancy synths and jazz influences? 