GET TO KNOW: Turnstile

Even a brief mention of TURNSTILE these days instantly evokes all kinds of feelings and sentiments. Where discussions can be stretched on their relationship with hardcore as the genre and the scene, most people would agree that no matter what TURNSTILE do, they do it absolutely brilliantly. The Baltimore natives have built a community far beyond their geographical and musical origins, crossing the generational divides with movement and rhythm. At the end of the day, they will keep being a manifestation of two simple things: love and connection.

The hardcore punk network of Baltimore, MD, was always quite tight-knit, but precisely that was what allowed it to thrive even more. Formed in 2010 in these exact communal and DIY spaces, TURNSTILE were originally situated well within those rigid genre boundaries, with fast-paced heavy riffs that invite as much movement and moshing as physically possible. The band took big inspiration from their predecessors, the likes of BAD BRAINS and INSIDE OUT, and they have always been equal participants in the culture ever since starting out. TURNSTILE released two EPs — Pressure to Succeed (2011) and Step 2 Rhythm (2013), followed by a debut LP record Nonstop Feeling in 2015, beginning to tour successfully with it.

After another EP called Move Thru Me was put out the following year and was already rising in charts, we began hearing the first signs of a shift in the air with the legendary Time & Space album (2018). Everything that TURNSTILE have been doing up until this point was slowly leading to the creation of their signature sound, which shone the most prominently on this record — and, as a foreshadowing, that we can also clearly hear in the two that follow. The essence of hardcore is getting extended with flowy melodies, the riffs last longer, and the production is cutting off the sharp edges, making the songs appear more well-rounded but no less punchy.

Finally, we get to the album that truly changed it all — GLOW ON (2021). In over a decade of existence and non-stop creation, TURNSTILE have evolved enormously, arriving where they were always meant to arrive. Blending in the dream pop synths, shoegaze effects and even some rhythm and blues, the album still keeps the core at its core. No other band could have written it, and this alone should speak volumes.

GLOW ON did cause some inevitable criticism, which has to this day been following the band around, although they choose to simply and eloquently ignore it. However paradoxical it may be to the spirit of the movement, the hardcore fanbase does involve a degree of gatekeeping and overly aggressive protection, which we can all understand the reasons for. Still, TURNSTILE have powered through and has since proved that letting your creativity flow along with the melodies can lead to the most beautiful places. And does it all even really matter if most people still tune in, listen, and rejoice?

NEVER ENOUGH (2025) is a continuation of their story, but certainly not a pure repetition thereof. If anything, the band has now completely submerged itself into their new sound and evolution, and found a strong and steady footing within. Both albums also contain much more mature lyrics and introspection, which adds to the growth aspect even further. 

The level of acclaim and success that GLOW ON, but especially NEVER ENOUGH, have brought on is truly extraordinary for the guys who started out as a grassroots hardcore band, what seemed like yesterday. It is getting to play sets at some of the biggest festivals across the board: from the dearest to heart Outbreak, to the Glastonbury and Coachella for the popular girls. It is winning two awards at none other than GRAMMYs — Best Rock Album with NEVER ENOUGH and Best Metal Performance with BIRDS (those higher-ups do think anything that sounds slightly more atypical than alt-rock is suddenly metal). 

This is not all a result of TURNSTILE selling out and just catering to the big mainstream events. It is the big mainstream events inviting them after seeing their impact and how generational they are. It is a result of the band’s hard work and grit, and coincidentally evolving into a music style that unites people from all walks of life. If TURNSTILE can teach us a lesson, it is that sometimes it might be worth expanding your safe space. 

Seeing them live and seeing how buzzing the room always is, without a miss, it is abundantly clear they did not forget where they originated from. The pit grew bigger and bigger, but instead of leaving people out, it invited them in — from age 3 to 83, from a die-hard mosher to someone who will try stage-diving for the first time, and is guaranteed to get addicted. People contain multitudes, and TURNSTILE is for the people.

Catch Turnstile supporting Tyler, The Creator this summer at All Points East.

Words: Mariia Bulkina