Turnstile – “Never Enough”

Never Enough arrives with high expectations. Following the genre-bending brilliance of Glow On, Turnstile had firmly established themselves as one of modern rock’s most exciting acts. Their ability to merge hardcore aggression with dreamy textures and infectious hooks made that album a landmark moment. As a result, anticipation for their next move was sky-high.

Unfortunately, Never Enough doesn’t quite reach the same heights. While still an enjoyable and occasionally inventive record, it often feels unsure of what it wants to be.

Lyrically, the album continues to explore themes of self-reflection, change and the tension between inner peace and outer chaos. Turnstile’s writing has always been more introspective than their hardcore peers, and that remains the case here.

However, Never Enough lacks the emotional urgency that made Glow On so impactful. Where that album balanced introspection with cathartic release, this one feels too subdued, as if the band is hesitant to let loose completely.

Production-wise, the album aims to replicate the shimmering, polished energy of Glow On despite employing a new production team. The result is a sound that’s clean and well-mixed but occasionally too safe. The guitars remain punchy, the bass is thick and the vocals are clear, but the overall dynamic range feels more restrained. It’s an album that sounds good but rarely feels alive.

One of Turnstile’s most admirable traits has always been their willingness to experiment. That spirit remains intact here, though with mixed results. The band incorporates 1980s-inspired melodies, swirling synthesizers and even brass and woodwind arrangements. When it works, it’s refreshing. “Dreaming” stands out for its trumpet flourishes, while “Sunshower” ends with a beautiful flute solo that feels both unexpected and perfectly executed. These moments show that Turnstile still has a knack for pushing boundaries in ways that keep their music vibrant.

Daniel Fang’s drumming remains a major highlight. His crisp, precise playing provides much of the album’s power and rhythmic momentum. Whether propelling the heavier sections or locking in during the album’s more melodic moments, Fang delivers a masterclass in balance and energy. His work gives the record much-needed vitality even when the songwriting doesn’t quite match his intensity.

The album’s opening track, “Never Enough,” sets a lukewarm tone. It’s too subdued, and its drawn-out ending drags on longer than necessary. Releasing it as the lead single feels like a misstep, as it doesn’t capture the band’s trademark explosiveness. Similarly, “Sole” begins with promise, boasting a strong melody, but Brendan Yates’ mellow vocal delivery underserves the song. It’s a track that begs for his trademark yelps to cut through the haze.

Thankfully, the second half of the record delivers more energy. “Dreaming” and “Sunshower” provide a breath of fresh air through their creative instrumentation, while “Birds” is the album’s most explosive track and the closest the band comes to recapturing the raw fire of Glow On. These later songs showcase what Turnstile still does best: blending melody, power and experimentation into something uniquely their own.

The biggest issue with Never Enough is its pacing. It’s backloaded, and that’s arguably worse than a frontloaded record. If listeners aren’t engaged early, they might never reach the strongest material. The subdued first half lacks the immediacy that made past releases so gripping, and by the time the energy finally ramps up, the album feels like it’s just beginning to find its footing.

In the end, Never Enough is a solid effort from a band that’s still searching for its next identity. Turnstile deserves credit for continuing to experiment and for avoiding the trap of repeating Glow On, but the result feels more tentative than transformative. It’s not a step backward, but it’s not a step forward either, just a cautious shuffle in place from one of rock’s most promising modern bands.

For Fans Of:

• Fiddlehead – Death Is Nothing to Us
• Quicksand – Slip
• Citizen – Everybody Is Going to Heaven