Turnstile launched their highly anticipated Never Enough tour with a Nashville show that scaled hardcore energy to arena-sized ambitions.
The evening began with the bombastic title track from their latest album Never Enough, setting an energetic tone that never wavered throughout the performance. Vocalist Brendan Yates commanded the crowd with frenetic intensity, seamlessly weaving between crowd favourites like “T.L.C. (Turnstile Love Connection)”, “Endless”, and “Real Thing” whilst introducing live debuts of new material including “Ceiling” and “Hey You”.
The band’s sonic palette has expanded to incorporate ethereal pop elements and New Wave influences alongside their signature chainsaw riffs. This translated exceptionally well in the live setting, with bassist Franz Lyons and drummer Daniel Fang providing a powerhouse foundation while guitarists Pat McCrory and Meg Mills delivered the intricate interplay that defines Turnstile’s current sound.
The night’s standout moment arrived during “Seein’ Stars”, when Nashville native Hayley Williams joined the band onstage. The Paramore frontwoman’s appearance sent the venue into a frenzy, with both vocalists working the crowd into a fever pitch.
Turnstile’s commitment to their DIY ethos remained intact despite the larger venue. The minimalist stage production utilised a single video screen alternating between technicolour backgrounds and live crowd shots, maintaining the atmosphere that defines their typically intimate performances. This energy culminated during the show-closing “Birds”, when Yates invited fans onstage, spurring around 100 fans to clamber on, creating a controlled chaos that the band thrived within for the explosive finisher.
Yates’ stage presence proved especially compelling, alternating between frenzied movement and genuine crowd interaction. His ability to gauge the audience’s energy and respond accordingly demonstrated why Turnstile’s live shows have garnered widespread acclaim beyond traditional hardcore circles.
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The Nashville performance follows a chaotic appearance on NPR Tiny Desk and served as a statement of intent for the Never Enough tour, which continues across the United States this autumn before returning to Europe. The band will also star on the lineups of Coachella, Beyond the Valley and Rhythm and Vines this summer.
