After skyrocketing in popularity with the release of their fourth album 'Glow On', Baltimore hardcore punk band Turnstile made an explosive return to Australian shores, rocking out at Brisbane's Fortitude Music Hall).
With a line stretching far down the Brunswick St Mall, the Hall (19 February) was quickly packed with like-minded scene kids, keenly awaiting to see the international powerhouse.There was a clear excitement in the air, the smell of fresh band merchandise accompanied by fans statements pursuing a common theme: "I bought tickets to Laneway just for Turnstile, then sold them when they cancelled and came to this."
Preluding the announcement of their headline Brisbane show, Turnstile made the call to cancel their Laneway 2023 appearance to attend the Grammys. While the group may not have won the coveted award, they effortlessly won the hearts and voices of the packed Brisbane crowd.
SPEED - image © Harrison Innes
"For the next three minutes, it's every f...ing man for themselves!" Opening the night was Sydney hardcore rockers SPEED, who have been doing the rounds across the nation and trouping the revival of the Australian hardcore scene.
They were a perfectly selected opener, with their smash hit 'We See U' getting the crowd well and truly moving.
SPEED - image © Harrison Innes
With heavy moshing and crowdsurfing promptly under way, the violent motions of the crowd was a sign of things to come.
Now recovered from the shock of excitement provided by the Sydney locals, the crowd began to condense against the front barrier for the headliners.
The huge chorus of Whitney Houston's 'I Wanna Dance With Somebody' began the show welcomed by a pink glow, slowly filling the stage accompanied by a meandering synth.
Rising to the arpeggiated intro of 'Mystery', the band exploded into action with a huge leap from lead singer Brendan Yates, soaring high above the heads of his onlookers.
Turnstile - image © Harrison Innes
"Brisbane our band is called Turnstile!" Known for their high-octane live shows, the American five-piece left nothing in their tanks. The pacing between songs was masterful, each song cleverly intertwined by atmospheric breaks making sure fans were continually engaged in the full-throated experience.
Clever placement of slower tracks like 'Underwater Boi' and 'Alien Love Call' provided well-needed breathers, but didn't impact the band's explosive stride.
Turnstile - image © Harrison Innes
A quick review from the moshpit would read like a survival guide: Make sure to stay on two feet, keep your arms up and jump with the crowd.
Dodging a flurry of windmills and two steps while supporting the constant barrage of crowd surfers was all part of the fun as the Baltimore locals flew around the stage, bringing just as much energy as the sea of people in front of them.
Fans emerging from the melee were soaked and looking as if they had just been dunked in a pool of others sweat. "Brisbane, if you look around, this is a celebration."
Turnstile - image © Harrison Innes
After being treated to a relentless drum solo from Turnstile's Daniel Fang, some words from Brendan invoked the prominent hit 'Holiday'. Multiple pits swirled in and out of existence as the ocean of punters heaved side to side, all while the performers saw how high they could leap.
Closing the night was the lightning fast love anthem 'T.L.C', introduced by a caring affirmation shared from the stage. As the track's mellow anticlimactic end neared, Turnstile members laid down their tools and departed, letting the song's track play to its end.
A quick reappearance from Brendan gave fans one final emotional chorus, and that was all.
A cry for encore rung out out long after the house lights shone upon the steaming venue, but to no avail. Fans left ecstatic and hopeful for the future of hardcore punk.
Image © Harrison Innes
In a world where shows are now well and truly present, and beginning to cram into every weekend, Turnstile stands above with a refreshing experience that left fans thinking: "F... that was a good show!"
More photos from the show.
