Turnstile – ‘Never Enough’ Review: Heartfelt Hardcore Meets Pop Optimism

Experience the unique blend of hardcore and pop optimism in Turnstile’s album ‘Never Enough,’ a vibrant journey through genre-bending soundscapes.

Turnstile’s Bold Return with ‘Never Enough’

Formed in Baltimore’s hardcore scene back in 2010, Turnstile has always been a band unafraid to push boundaries. Their breakout 2021 album Glow On catapulted them into the international spotlight, blending go-go breakdowns and R&B elements, even earning them a Grammy nomination. Now, with their latest release, Never Enough, Turnstile doubles down on their adventurous spirit, delivering a record that continues to redefine hardcore with a pop-friendly twist.

Hardcore Roots with a Twist

Hardcore remains the backbone of Never Enough, with its signature chunky, overdriven guitars and Brendan Yates’ fierce, throat-splitting vocals holding strong throughout. Tracks like “Sole” and “Birds” pay homage to the band’s earlier raw intensity, evoking the electric vibe of sweaty, small-venue shows reminiscent of their 2011 release Pressure To Succeed.

But don’t expect a simple nostalgia trip — the album takes many creative detours. The dreamy, kitschy vibe of “I Care” charms with hand-claps and swirling flanged guitars, while “Seein’ Stars” grooves with a funky rock flair that echoes The Police’s classic style.

One of the album’s standout moments is the nearly seven-minute epic “Look Out For Me,” which morphs from punchy hardcore to a hypnotic ambient section sampling the acclaimed TV drama The Wire, finishing with an electronic outro inspired by Baltimore’s club scene. This medley pays tribute not just to their genre but also to their city’s rich cultural tapestry.

A Star-Studded Lineup of Collaborators

The adventurous sound of Never Enough is amplified by a stellar roster of collaborators. BADBADNOTGOOD adds stirring horn sections on “Dreaming,” while Dev Hynes (aka Blood Orange) and Paramore’s Hayley Williams lend their smooth backing vocals to “Seein’ Stars,” enriching its funk-rock texture.

The album’s explorations stretch even further. Shabaka Hutchings’ flute solo on “Sunshower” transforms what starts as a hardcore track into something reminiscent of Andre 3000’s genre-blending style, and A.G. Cook’s production on “Dull” twists an alt-rock number into a surreal glitchy playground filled with unpredictable electronic sounds.

Cohesive Yet Adventurous

Despite the wide range of styles and influences, Never Enough holds together remarkably well, anchored by Brendan Yates’ powerful and versatile voice. His gritty delivery firmly grounds the album in hardcore while also making the poppier moments feel authentic and accessible.

Lyrically, the album feels deeply personal, capturing complex emotions amid their growing success post-Glow On. As Yates yells on “Sunshower,”

“this is where I wanna be, but I can’t feel a fucking thing,”

the raw honesty shines through, balanced by the confident and assured tone that carries the record.

A Celebration of Poptimism

At its core, Never Enough is a celebration of poptimism. It marries a heartfelt appreciation for various rock subgenres with bold, bright melodies—think sparkling synths uplifting the title track’s pre-chorus—and an open-minded embrace of musical influences.

Turnstile invites listeners to rethink hardcore music not just as something intense and niche but as a foundation for something colorful, playful, and widely appealing. This liberating attitude is the secret sauce powering an album that feels as fresh as it is heartfelt.

Album Details

• Release Date: June 6, 2025
• Record Label: Roadrunner Records

Wrapping It Up

Never Enough sees Turnstile confidently walking the line between hardcore edge and pop accessibility, crafting a sound that’s both familiar and excitingly new. It’s a testament to a band that refuses to stay boxed in — daring, heartfelt, and downright fun.

What’s your favorite track on Never Enough? How do you feel about hardcore bands blending pop into their sound? Let’s chat!

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does Turnstile’s new album differ from their earlier work?
  Never Enough expands on their hardcore roots by mixing in dream-pop, funk-rock, and electronic elements, showcasing their growth and willingness to experiment.
• Who are some notable collaborators featured on the album?
  The album includes contributions from BADBADNOTGOOD, Dev Hynes, Hayley Williams, Shabaka Hutchings, and A.G. Cook.
• What themes are explored in Never Enough?
  The album delves into complex emotions related to success and identity, wrapped in a positive, optimistic tone that embraces diversity in sound.
• Is Never Enough suitable for listeners new to hardcore?
  Absolutely! Its blend of pop melodies and experimental sounds makes it accessible to a broader audience beyond hardcore purists.
• Where can I listen to Never Enough?
  The album is available on all major streaming platforms and physical formats starting June 6, 2025.

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