Album Review: Turnstile - 'Time & Space'

When Turnstile released their endearing debut album 'Nonstop Feeling' a few years ago, it was the general consensus of the hardcore world (us included) that it was going to be a difficult release for the band to top down the line. It was a fun and groovy record full of feeling and passion that didn’t sound like it was desperate to stand out but it did so anyway, serving up short but sweet and funky bouts of aggression and sonic rage that got the whole scene moving. With great joy, I can report that the band's bouncy, loud and (mostly) fast follow-up, the soon-to-drop 'Time & Space', hits the same strong mark; sitting somewhere between more aggressive hardcore bands like Trapped Under Ice or Incendiary and the likes of Letlive. or even Faith No More. This new record is not a mere replica of Turnstile's prior LP, mind you, but there are indeed points that sure make me feel like I’m right back in 2015, staring at the guy from my economics exam that was wearing a Turnstile long-sleeve. Oh, and by the way, these guys got the Hayley Williams seal of approval!

The thing about Turnstile and their no-fucks-given attitude is that no matter how hard they try, they just cannot seem to make anything sound uncool. That’s a real talent that carries them through two interim tracks on the album that sound like elevator music crossed with eerie propaganda (think Fallout), with 'Bomb' and 'Disco'. But then a song like 'I Don’t Wanna Be Blind' could be about love but equally about anger too and almost every tasty dish on this irresistible record delivers emotions in a neatly-wrapped hardcore package that your bros won’t get suspicious about.

There’s as much distorted and driving electric guitar on this album as there are vocal “ooh’s” and “ah’s”, which iall ntegrate to offer up a brave and enjoyable fusion of hardcore, funk, and what can only be described as "groove". On 'Can’t Get Away' you’ll be headbanging and then you'll be headbanging even faster soon enough, but if you’re feeling extra-vulnerable then 'Generator' might just make you cry with lyrics like these: “I’m hanging on, but I alienate/dancing with my pain now in the dark”.

Turnstile, thank you. Thank you for remaining fresh and entertaining without going full-shoegaze or full-post-punk like the rest of your counterparts in this genre seem to do. May their individuality and integrity all rest in peace.

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There is an 80's-disco-sound and a '90s-hardcore-punk influence to Turnstile's music that makes them both unique and delightful to listen to, which is all clearly evident by the extremely solid 'Time & Space'. The group's fearlessness to skirt across different genres here - heavy or otherwise - makes them so uncool that they become cool in the process, with a contagious energy and sense of fun that just cannot be denied. They are both the nerdiest and most superior band in hardcore today. Seriously, just try and deny these grooves!

1. Real Thing

2. Big Smile

3. Generator

4. Bomb

5. I Don't Wanna Be Blind

6. High Pressure

7. (Lost Another) Piece of My World

8. Can't Get Away

9. Moon

10. Come Back For More - H.O.Y.

11. Right To Be

12. Disco