Turn Two’s EP "Darkest Days" brings a joyous Pop Punk Revival
Turn Two’s debut EP, Darkest Days, is an electrifying introduction to a band that’s channeling the nostalgia of pop punk’s heyday while carving out a sound that’s all their own. Influenced by legends like Jimmy Eat World and Mayday Parade, the Neptune City, NJ-based quartet has crafted a collection of tracks that pulse with raw emotion, infectious energy, and expertly layered instrumentation. The result is a release that feels both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly modern.
Recorded at Gradwell House Studios under the watchful eye of producer Matt Weber, Darkest Days captures the band’s journey from creative dormancy to a triumphant rebirth. From the first moments of the opener, “Limiting,” the EP bursts to life with vibrant guitars, driving drums, and soaring vocals. Mike Hayden’s delivery is a standout, blending heartfelt vulnerability with anthemic intensity, while Matt Favaloro’s and Shane Maziekien’s tight interplay on guitar and drums sets a dynamic pace.
Another standout, the EP’s fourth track “Polaroid,” exemplifies Turn Two’s knack for crafting upbeat, hook-laden anthems that are tailor-made for sing-alongs. Mason Ingling’s basslines shine here, adding depth and texture to a track brimming with youthful exuberance and the bittersweet pang of nostalgia. It’s a song that takes listeners back to carefree high school days while grounding them in the universal emotions of growing up.
Throughout Darkest Days, the band’s chemistry is undeniable. Each member brings their unique strengths to the table, creating a sound that feels cohesive yet multifaceted. The instrumentation is as much a focal point as the vocals, with intricate guitar work and propulsive rhythms driving the emotional core of each song. The production, crisp and polished, enhances every layer, ensuring that no detail goes unnoticed.
Lyrically, the EP delves into themes of resilience, longing, and rediscovery, resonating deeply without ever feeling overwrought. Hayden’s words are direct yet poetic, and his melodies have a way of sticking with you long after the final notes fade.
By the time Darkest Days comes to a close, it’s clear that Turn Two has something special. They’ve managed to honor the spirit of pop punk while injecting it with their own experiences and vision, making their music both timeless and timely. For a genre that feels like it might be past its prime, we can 100% vouch that they’ve brought that classic sound to the present and reinvigorated something we ultimately love.
For fans of the genre—and anyone longing for the catharsis that comes from belting out a great hook—Darkest Days is a must-listen. Turn Two isn’t just reviving pop punk; they’re injecting it with heart, energy, and an undeniable passion that promises great things to come.
Listen as loud as you can and sing it at the top of your lungs by clicking those links below. Don’t forget to follow along to stay tuned for more too!
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