Turnstile – Never Enough

Turnstile’s hardcore, right now, is less a question of genre and more an assertion of community. Following up Glow On, one of the most thrilling rock releases of the decade so far, they once again attempt to push the boundaries of what a hardcore band can sound like, can be. Purists will scowl, millions will lap it up. If it makes you feel alive, they’re happy to provide.

The opening title track sees the album’s most anthemic choruses bookended by ambient keys. The arpeggiated synthesisers of I Care recall OMD and Duran Duran. The record’s mid-section features jazz flute from Shabaka Hutchings on Sunshower and on Look Out For Me there’s a Baltimore-club inspired outro that incorporates Randy Wagstaff’s heartbreaking dialogue to Sgt. Carver from Season 4 of The Wire. If its predecessor took you on a rollercoaster ride, Never Enough is a window seat with plenty of space for reflection. Tracks that recall Glow On, in some cases overtly, don’t connect as deeply. This is the group’s first album without founding member Brady Ebert, and the riffs feel less inspired across the board. 

There are glorious moments throughout, though. Light Design is fragmented but explosive. Birds is one part hard-and-fast-punk, one part sludgy groove that recalls No Doubt’s sleazy Hella Good, and all adrenaline rush. If Never Enough doesn’t reach the high bar Turnstile’s set themselves on Glow On, there are thrills in their attempt to shoot for the stratosphere.

Listen to: Look Out For Me, Birds, Sunshower