A Little T.L.C. with Turnstile

Turnstile performing at the Hollywood Palladium, LA by Jacob Alvarez

FIRST OF TWO SOLD OUT NIGHTS WITH SNAIL MAIL

Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” blasted on every speaker to the thousands of fans awaiting Baltimore hardcore band Turnstile to take the stage. With the relatively younger audience, the people sang along to the entire track which ceased as the group took the stage to much applause. This was the Turnstile “Love Connection Tour” or T.L.C. for short and abrasion.

Kerwin Frost performing at the Hollywood Palladium, LA by Jacob Alvarez

The night’s bill wasted no minutes with a stacked roster that I was excited to see. Although experimental rapper JPEGMAFIA was not in position to play, fashion icon and music enthusiast Kerwin Frost was an excellent substitute. He debuted a DJ set to kick off the event, having a balloon version of himself inflated behind his console while he adorned a black helmet that could have simultaneously been part of viking or space timelines. The tracks were hard-hitting and what many would describe as “insane” including Turnstile drummer Daniel Fang. I’ve been following his work for years and find myself to be someone who wants to be in many creative mediums so it was nice to see this jack-of-all trades showcase another creative endeavor.

Snail Mail performing at the Hollywood Palladium, LA by Jacob Alvarez

I made my way from right to left of the venue during other Baltimore repping indie band Snail Mail’s intimate set. The dance floor began to fill just about to capacity while singer Lindsey Jordan performed crooning tracks off critically acclaimed Lush and latest LP Valentine. Jordan was doused in red lights, highlighting the heartbreak she talks of in her lyrics as the fans watched on. I waved to a humble Mac DeMarco who stood in the right side seated area while RnB singer Miguel posed with a fan who wore an extremely cool head of spikes. Miguel then went to Kerwin Frost’s corner where he remained for the entirety of the show.

As previously reported, Turnstile came onstage after a delayed show announcement the day prior due to health issues which seem to have stemmed from singer Brendan Yates. This night acted as the first of two sold out crowds in Los Angeles. The band got their instruments strapped and immediately began to jam into Glow On cut “HOLIDAY” while Yates stood in contemplation, very still. For a band that is known for backflips and crowd surfing, it served as a rather intimate nuanced moment. For myself, it felt as though there was a lot of thoughts running through his head, but I suppose it’s the music that brings him something out of him sort of speak. It wasn’t long after that Yates came alive, jumping with his bandmates while screaming lyrics into the mic he gripped with angst.

Turnstile performing at the Hollywood Palladium, LA by Jacob Alvarez

A mosh pit broke out as well, with fans being carried over into the photo pit area where I shot along the likes of personal hero and Turnstile enthusiast Atiba Jefferson. This was not my first time seeing him at a show, but it was a first to be in the same area taking photos of the same act. It meant a lot. The band also paid it forward to the longtime fans, performing tracks off previous albums Time & Space and Nonstop Feeling, the latter of which was my introduction to the band. However, the biggest impression felt in the music community was from their latest release that in turn propelled them from opening act at the Regent to headline status at two sold out nights in the Palladium and Shrine.

Turnstile performing at the Hollywood Palladium, LA by Jacob Alvarez

The newest record has been on in the car or on my laptop while I work, so hearing cuts like “UNDERWATER BOI” that Yates began a cappella was truly a lovely experience. I finished the remainder of the show at the lighting booth where friend Jaycob Luque stood alongside myself to witness “BLACKOUT” and “MYSTERY.” “Is everyone safe? Is everyone feeling good?” Yates continued to say. “As always, thank you for letting me see myself,” he spoke before concluding the night with “T.L.C.” quickly. Fans felt welcomed and understood by that phrase, with many wearing shirts showcasing the motto. Turnstile is one of the few rock bands on the come up who are keeping the status of being true to themselves as the priority. Walking out of the venue, I noticed the letter “T” had fallen off of the marquee most likely due to the windy streets. An apt punctuation. Check out the set list here!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!