BOSTON, MA | Baltimore’s innovative hardcore force Turnstile tore up Boston for the first of two weekend shows at Roadrunner on November 19th. The intensity of their show propelled this sold out crowd into a frenzy in what felt like a purge of emotion for all involved. Each song was a favorite battle cry for fans as they let off a controlled chaotic energy filled with joy and gratitude. Turnstile offers a unique show that needs to be seen and felt to be truly appreciated.
As the band prepared to take the stage, Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” hyped the crowd up with positivity to set the tone of the night. Turnstile exploded onto the floor, fittingly opening their set with “HOLIDAY” as the night felt very much like one.
Singer Brendan Yates shared the mic with the crowd during emphatic parts of songs, locking in the connection between the band and crowd, making the two feel entwined. Bassist “Freaky” Franz was constantly interacting with fans and headbanging along to the music.
Guitarists Pat McCrory and Greg Cerwonka kept the energy high with tight rhythms and a showcased blend of heavy and ethereal riffs. Drummer Daniel Fang served as the heartbeat by combining punk, latin, and go-go grooves seamlessly. Justin Andrade of Warwick, RI said, “They’re a band that blends a lot of heavier influences with a more alternative / pop flair. Their live shows are where they really shine though—bring your dancing shoes!”
The stage’s lighting alternated between a blinding white heat and dreamy pink hues. This perfectly complemented the moments of pure intensity and a calming shoegaze regrouping. There was crowd surfing, moshing, and a circle pit that gave fans an outlet for expression.
While photographing, someone ran from the stage and jumped over my head across a huge gap between the stage and into the crowd. Typical Turnstile shows have this pit removed and no security guards to allow the stage to be shared with band and crowd. At any given time there are 3-5 fans on stage preparing to dive back into the crowd. Singer Brendan seems to enter a stoic meditation during earlier shows that he continued to bring to this larger venue tonight. While there is chaos around him, he stays locked in to the moment saving up his energy only to explode with empowering lyrics.
Turnstile continued to burn through a heavy setlist filled mostly with tracks from their latest album release GLOW ON. Notable songs “BLACKOUT,” “DON’T PLAY,” and “FLY AGAIN” raised the energy in the building. Paired with tracks “Real Thing,” “Drop,” and “I Don’t Wanna Be Blind” from earlier albums, Turnstile fulfilled a promise to the crowd to give them the kind of show they were hoping for.
At multiple points during the night, Brendan and the band respectfully checked on every part of the crowd making sure that they were doing alright. Once this was established, he stoked the fire with a chant of “Shake it up!” which hyped up the crowd to maintain their heartfelt and feverish energy. Another highlight was Daniel Fang’s drum solo lasting 3 minutes which hypnotized the crowd with a mix of raw talent and interesting beats.
Newly Grammy nominated, Turnstile is up for three awards in the categories of Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song, and Best Metal Performance. After their LA show, 311 frontman Nick Hexum called it a “religious, free, wonderful experience” stating they’re the best band around right now. Anthrax founding member and guitarist Scott Ian also said “I felt like they revolutionized hardcore again for a whole new generation.” Turnstile will be joining Blink 182 on their upcoming North American tour in 2023.
Turnstile’s music has the ability to sonically transport the listener into a place devoid of time and space. Lyrics based on empowerment and connection are broad enough that anyone can overlay their personal story to give their tracks meaning. There is no ceiling on the heights Turnstile can reach, but creating a catalog of meaningful and motivational music may be the most rewarding accomplishment of all.
