Turnstile Keeps the Hardcore Spirit Alive at Panther Island Pavilion

Every band spread incredibly motivating messages of positivity last night.

When Turnstile started gaining more mainstream traction after the release of Glow On in 2021, there were questions about whether or not the band would abandon their hardcore beginnings. Don’t be fooled by the soaring synths and sing-along moments this year from the band’s fourth full-length album, Never Enough, because Turnstile is still turning it up to 11 and building upon the communal experience of hardcore.

After years of toiling away performing at VFW halls and small clubs, they’ve finally hit the big leagues of large outdoor venues. Turnstile is still leaving it all on the stage, just on a bigger scale than ever before. At the outdoor Panther Island Pavilion, the fans left it all on the field in return.

Since Glow On, Turnstile’s supporting acts have become unpredictable, and this time was no exception. The selection is understandable, though, considering the band’s expanded sounds into more alternative territory.

Jane Remover had a good-sized crowd, especially for being the first band and had the crowd moving the entire set.

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Jane Remover’s inclusion on the bill was the most left-field choice of the night. Endless jumping and screaming along to glitchy hyperpop tracks, it was certainly a way to get the crowd’s attention. There were some perplexed looks, but honestly, most people were there just to jump around and have a good time anyway (despite Jane Remover accidentally yelling out “Houston”).

Speed.
Speed.

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The mosh pit opened up for Speed’s set, and for good reason. The Sydney-based hardcore act ripped and roared through a brisk but memorable performance. Frontman Jem Siow constantly encouraged audience participation, and the audience certainly obliged. Judging by the reactions, Speed was the perfect band to introduce to Turnstile fans who may not come from hardcore. Enough so that two mosh pits developed during “Not That Nice.”

As Speed closed with “The First Test,” there was no denying the connection with the audience, and besides the headliner, this was the most passionate response from the crowd.

Another Australian group, Amyl and the Sniffers, was up next and brought a different vibe with their punk and blues rock blend. Making an entrance after Sean Paul’s “Get Busy” played over the speakers, their 40 minutes allowed everyone to collectively regain their energy after going mad for Speed.

Amy from Amyl and the Sniffers isn’t shy about calling out injustices happening, and encouraged everyone to speak out and be on the right side of history.

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Amyl and the Sniffers.

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Amyl and the Sniffers and Speed.

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Vocalist Amy Taylor is a powerhouse performer—jumping and twisting her way through the set and clearly having an absolute blast. Her infectious energy, balanced between a self-assured attitude and fun-loving performance during songs like “Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled)” and “Tiny Bikini,” was the highlight of Amyl and the Sniffers’ set.

As soon as the music started, it was over for every piece of black clothing, dust and dirt immediately started flying through the air.

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A mosh pit at Turnstile.

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Open That Shit Up

When Turnstile emerged after an extended synth intro for “Never Enough,” it felt like a big moment for the band and for rock.

“They’re building their own culture,” Siow proclaimed about Turnstile while on the stage with Speed. And indeed, Turnstile was able to bring together people from different genres to one show. That is perhaps what was most striking about the performance: the ability to retain the spirit of hardcore in the alternative rock space. The ability to cue moshers and crowd surfers, but also widespread dancing by bringing down a disco ball during the instantly groovy “Seein Stars.”

Frontman Brendan Yates treated the show like a cardio session-jumps, kicks, and screaming his way to a sweaty conclusion with “Birds.” His vocals have improved as he’s grown more accustomed to switching between rougher and cleaner tones. The band of vocalist Brendan Yates, lead guitarist McCrory, drummer Daniel Fang, bassist Franz Lyons and the newest member, rhythm guitarist Meg Mills, was as tight as ever.

Never Enough is incredibly similar to Glow On, but the more anthemic nature of Never Enough perfectly matched the festival-like setting of Panther Island Pavilion. The song selection was at times surprising. “Real Thing” was the only song from Time & Space that was played, whereas several tracks from Step 2 Rhythm were included. The audience didn’t seem to mind, though, and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

Turnstile is more than a flash in the pan. It’s a band introducing hardcore and guitar music in general to a wider audience without losing the ethos of supporting younger talent and making the space feel like a community. Whatever creative directions they take in the future, there are stages with thousands waiting for them in DFW.

See more photos from Thursday’s show:

Around we go.