Glow On was released yesterday by none other than the bands long standing partner Roadrunner Records, and from the opening notes it is clear that the next fifteen tracks are certain to contain the quintets most diverse body of work to date.
Since the very start of the project’s origin story, Turnstile have built their fearsome reputation from the ground up – consisting of big riffs, even larger breakdowns and high octane live shows where there are more stage dives than ticket holders. Whilst still retaining instinctual elements of their signature sound, there’s something further at play with their latest release than just a standard hardcore record. Scattered throughout there are specific elements that are almost cinematic, and these subtleties overall deliver an LP with a retrospective, and almost extraterrestrial feel. Turnstile have broadened their horizons and charged headlong into the unexpected, with grooves aplenty and a melodic undertone much more prevalent here than in some of their previous work.
The record’s opening number ‘Mystery’ was the perfect choice to kick things off. Having been already introduced to fans on the June EP release Turnstile Love Connection it may not be the most surprising track on the record, but it’s certainly one of the best. Reminiscent of classic grunge with a smooth alt-rock fusion, we have no doubt that Mystery is quickly taking the lead as a firm fan favourite. Buried deeper in the record are some real hidden gems, including a short interlude in the form of ‘No Surprise’ where longstanding bassist Franz Lyons takes the lead vocally with some gentle undertones. We can almost sense the panic forming, but all you hardcore kids out there don’t need to worry. Track five on the record entitled ‘Holiday’ quickly throws Turnstile back in time to 2018 with thick basslines and shouted hooks pouring from every seam, and the fast paced sixth instalment that follows in the form of ‘Humanoid/Shake It Up is sat in the perfect place in the tracklisting.
It’s not an album jam packed with features, but fans of Blood Orange will be chuffed to hear that there’s not just one but two guest appearances from the UK musician/producer. ‘Alien Love Call’ defines every element of the obscure displayed so brazenly on the record, and the closing track ‘Lonely Dezires’ slams the door on a high.
Reminiscent of a 90’s style classic, Turnstile have gone above and beyond with their latest release. It might not be the heaviest instalment in their arsenal, but there’s a beauty to each track on the LP that brings an elevated maturity to each addition to their catalogue. It’s rare that a band can alter their sound so dramatically, yet still retain 100% of the quality that made themselves so brilliant in the first place. As long as their live show retains every level of carnage that made the lads so revered in the first place, then even dedicated fans of their earliest material will find the same amount of catharsis in the project’s latest release.