Live Update: Turnstile – Depot Mayfield, Manchester

      Ecstatic chaos brought by a band that thrives on connection...

      04 · 11 · 2025

      A vibrant chaos seems to accompany Baltimore's Turnstile wherever they perform. Their show in Manchester was not just another hardcore gig; it was a testament to their ability to push the boundaries of their genre, bending and redefining its limits while staying true to their origins.

      The track ‘NEVER ENOUGH’ set a benchmark for the evening that felt nearly impossible to exceed, yet the energy continued to rise. The atmosphere was electric, filled with high energy and sheer joy as frontman Brendan Yates harmonized with the audience against a backdrop of resonating synth sounds. Although being in the thick of the crowd—shoulder to shoulder, with bodies colliding—would have been exhilarating, observing from the sidelines turned out to be a delightful surprise. This night wasn’t solely about Turnstile; the fans were equally significant. Every lyric echoed back, each circle pit came alive with spins, backflips, high kicks, two-stepping, and swinging arms as bodies floated and surfed through the crowd, with shirts tossed aside without a care for reclaiming them. This was just during the opening song, a track that introduced their fourth studio album released this year.

      The staging deserves commendation of its own, creating a series of visual spectacles. During ‘SEEIN STARS’, Mayfield Depot had the feel of being inside a mirrorball. It continued to be just as visually stunning during ‘LIGHT DESIGN’, with a celestial spotlight following the frontman as he twirled and danced. His presence was captivating, and the entire band was enthralling. Then the transition from ‘I CARE’ to ‘DULL’ occurred—the rainbow lights transformed to a striking red, signaling Brendan’s cue to initiate the mosh pit.

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      The encore featuring ‘MYSTERY’, ‘BLACKOUT’, and the closing track ‘BIRDS’ was a masterclass in Turnstile’s unique blend and evolution, seamlessly fusing heavy sounds with pop. Until the last note of ‘BIRDS’, fans bounced around the dance floor, oscillating between the band and the crowd, chaos morphing into a sense of community. No words were necessary, yet Brendan's final line resonated like a blessing: “Thank you for taking care of each other and yourselves and being here. We love you so much.”

      Turnstile embodies connection. That’s the essence of their identity, and this tour has highlighted the magic that occurs when spaces are created for individuals to be whoever they wish to be, to feel the music, to listen, to express, and to dance. Being completely present in the moment is often a rare occurrence, even at concerts. There’s always the urge to check our phones or share online, but Turnstile's concert experience encourages you to forget your device, completely immersed in the synergy and enchantment of those around you. It becomes a community. For that hour and a half, you feel empowered to do anything because nothing else matters—just the music.

      Words: Sahar Ghadirian

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