Pop Break Live: Turnstile “Turnstile Love Connection Tour” with Snail Mail and JPEGMAFIA at The Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, New Jersey on Thursday October 6, 2022
Words + Photos by Kenny Bieber
There comes that band once in awhile that truly captivates an audience and delivers a truly singular experience. Baltimore bred hardcore band turnstile certainly fit that description and after a solid wave of momentum and hype have justified it with a truly electrifying live show that more than had the Stone Pony summer stage crowd in the palm of their hand.
The band’s frontman Brendan Yates gave an all-out physical performance full of emotion and agility and the rest of the band truly elevated it with their precise musicianship. Hits such as “Holiday” and “Blackout” were a true treat to hear live and the dynamic range of the band could be seen as the mood veered from searing heavy numbers to more mellow and atmospheric such as hit single “Alien Love Call.” The chemistry and energy each band member displayed was truly magnetic and the sheer intensity and exuberance was an utter thrill to behold.
Snail Mail Setlist (via setlist.fm)
Pristine
Glory
Ben Franklin
Heat Wave
Speaking Terms
Automate
Madonna
Forever (Sailing)
Headlock
Valentine
Turnstile have risen in prominence since their early days as a band and their evolved sound was showcased effectively during this latest tour. With their tight musicality, raw energy and the sheer magnetism of their frontman, it’s apparent this is a band dedicated to making you feel something on stage. Clearly that was mutual as the crowd moshed and danced their hearts out and eagerly recited the words to their favorite songs from Glow On, their latest and most critically-acclaimed release. Another added benefit of the show was the diversity found within the lineup as well.
The openers were indie rock band Snail Mail and fellow Baltimore native rapper JPEGMAFIA. The juxtaposition of these two acts was both surreal and refreshing and both were received warmly particularly JPEG’s set which was full of bombastic and visceral energy and won fans over with his self-aware and swaggering performance although Snail Mail’s vibrant indie-rock provided the perfect energy to start the proceedings off.
Overall, in a year full of memorable shows and tours, it’d be hard-pressed to find an act as vibrant and dynamic as Turnstile. Their live show is truly a breathtaking experience and is highly recommended if you’re a fan or uninitiated. In addition their mix of strong openers already adds to an impressive live show. Do yourself a favor and check them out if they’re near you, this is certainly a band destined for big things so catch them while you still can!
Turnstile Setlist (via setlist.fm)
HOLIDAY
Real Thing
Big Smile
NEW HEART DESIGN
I Don’t Wanna Be Blind
BLACKOUT
UNDERWATER BOI
DON’T PLAY
The Things You Do
Drop
FLY AGAIN
Moon
ALIEN LOVE CALL
ENDLESS
NO SURPRISE
MYSTERY
T.L.C. (TURNSTILE LOVE CONNECTION)
