By admin 
HangupsMusic.com –
The musical landscape is once again shifting, thanks to Turnstile, whose latest offering, Never Enough: Versions, has arrived, redefining the boundaries of their critically acclaimed 2025 LP. This ambitious project sees the Baltimore hardcore titans inviting an eclectic array of artists to reinterpret tracks from their Grammy-winning album, culminating in a collection that is as diverse as it is audacious. Among the dazzling roster of collaborators, none shines brighter, or perhaps more surprisingly, than Sir Elton John, who lends his inimitable touch to the track "Seein’ Stars," providing a pop sheen that transcends genre expectations.
Turnstile has consistently defied categorization since their inception, evolving from hardcore stalwarts to a band celebrated for their melodic sensibilities and boundary-pushing sound. Their 2025 album, Never Enough, was a landmark release, lauded for its infectious energy, introspective lyrics, and adventurous musicality. It earned them widespread critical acclaim and a coveted Grammy Award, cementing their status as innovators. The album’s ability to weave together elements of hardcore, punk, alternative rock, and even pop, made it a fertile ground for reimagination, a challenge eagerly accepted by the diverse collective assembled for Never Enough: Versions.
The collaboration between Turnstile and Elton John on "Seein’ Stars" is undoubtedly the marquee event of this release. The original track from Never Enough was already considered an uncharacteristically poppy venture for Turnstile, showcasing their growing comfort with mainstream melodic structures. John’s interpretation takes this inherent pop sensibility and amplifies it with his signature piano flourishes and legendary vocal prowess. The new version opens with Turnstile frontman Brendan Yates’s distinctive vocals, soon joined by John’s iconic voice, a seamless blend that is both unexpected and utterly captivating. The interplay between Yates’s raw, emotive delivery and John’s smooth, seasoned croon creates a dynamic tension, ultimately resolving in a harmonious convergence on the chorus. John’s piano, a hallmark of countless hits, adds layers of sophisticated pop orchestration, transforming the track into something simultaneously classic and contemporary. This collaboration not only highlights Turnstile’s versatility but also underscores John’s enduring relevance and his willingness to embrace and elevate new sounds. It’s a masterclass in how two seemingly disparate musical worlds can collide to create something truly extraordinary, appealing to fans across generations and genres.
Beyond the Elton John sensation, Never Enough: Versions boasts an astonishing lineup of talent, each bringing their unique artistic vision to Turnstile’s material. Hayley Williams of Paramore fame tackles "Ceiling," infusing it with her potent blend of pop-punk energy and emotional depth. Her interpretation is expected to retain the original’s intensity while adding her signature vocal dynamism, potentially exploring new melodic avenues. The track "Birds" receives two wildly divergent makeovers, first by hyperpop sensation Slayyyter, and then by death metal stalwarts Dying Fetus. Slayyyter’s rendition likely bathes "Birds" in a shimmering, digital glow, recontextualizing its aggression through an electronic, futuristic lens. In stark contrast, Dying Fetus’s take promises an even more brutal and guttural interpretation, pushing the track back into the raw, unforgiving territory of extreme metal. This fascinating juxtaposition on a single track exemplifies the album’s core ethos: to explore the absolute limits of Turnstile’s musical DNA through the eyes of others.
The electronic music realm is well-represented, with Four Tet delivering his intricate, atmospheric touch to "Look Out for Me." Known for his meticulous soundscapes and innovative beat construction, Four Tet’s version is anticipated to deconstruct the original, rebuilding it with layered textures and subtle rhythmic shifts, transforming it into an immersive electronic journey. Indie folk darling Faye Webster brings her melancholic, gentle charm to "I Care," promising a tender, introspective reinterpretation that could strip back the original’s fervor to reveal a new emotional core, perhaps accented by her characteristic pedal steel. The album’s closer, "Magic Man," is also given dual treatments by experimental indie stalwarts Panda Bear and Alex G. Panda Bear, known for his psychedelic pop and lo-fi textures, is expected to imbue "Magic Man" with his signature hazy, reverb-drenched soundscapes. Alex G, with his knack for quirky, heartfelt indie rock, might offer a more stripped-down, intimately raw, or even playfully experimental take, showcasing the track’s lyrical and melodic versatility.
The depth of collaboration extends far beyond these marquee names. The roster includes a fascinating mix of avant-garde artists, electronic producers, jazz musicians, and fellow hardcore travelers, painting a vivid picture of Turnstile’s wide-ranging influence and appeal. Oklou, with her ethereal electronic pop, and Shabaka, the visionary jazz saxophonist known for his work with The Comet Is Coming and Sons of Kemet, are poised to offer particularly inventive interpretations, pushing the boundaries of instrumentation and genre. Baltimore’s own experimental electronic maestro Dan Deacon contributes, likely bringing his signature maximalist, joyful chaos to a track. Indie-pop outfit Porches, acclaimed electronic artist Floating Points, jazz trumpeter Brandon Woody, and experimental pop artist Chanel Beads further underscore the album’s commitment to sonic exploration. The inclusion of fellow hardcore punk act Angel Du$t, who share members with Turnstile, ensures a nod to their roots, while Nourished By Time, known for their R&B and post-punk fusion, adds another layer of genre-bending brilliance. Baltimore club music legend Rod Lee, techno/house producer Kettama, and folk/R&B artist Mustafa round out the formidable list, each promising a unique perspective on Turnstile’s diverse catalog. This expansive guest list is a testament to the universal language of Turnstile’s music, proving its adaptability across an astonishing spectrum of styles.
The band expressed their profound gratitude on social media upon the album’s release, stating, "Thank you to all these incredible artists and friends who helped make this so special." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the collaborative spirit that defines Never Enough: Versions. It’s not merely a remix album; it’s a testament to the power of artistic exchange, a dialogue between creators that enriches the original work and expands the horizons of every artist involved. This project positions Turnstile not just as musicians, but as curators, fostering a space where genre is fluid and creativity reigns supreme.
Adding another layer to this multifaceted project, several artists featured on Never Enough: Versions will join Turnstile for their "Never Enough Tour Pt. 2." Angel Du$t, Nourished By Time, Slayyyter, and Porches are set to appear on select dates, transforming the tour into a mini-festival experience. This immersive trek is scheduled to kick off on September 9 in Milwaukee, winding its way across the nation before concluding on October 18 in Santa Ana, California. The tour provides a live platform for these reimagined sounds, offering fans a chance to witness the evolving landscape of Turnstile’s music firsthand, where the original compositions are celebrated alongside their inventive new iterations.
Never Enough: Versions is more than just an album; it’s a bold statement about the infinite possibilities of music. It solidifies Turnstile’s reputation as fearless innovators, demonstrating their ability to transcend scenes and connect with artists from every corner of the musical universe. By opening their work to such a diverse collective of talents, Turnstile has not only celebrated the enduring power of Never Enough but also created a groundbreaking piece of art that will resonate for years to come, proving that true creativity knows no bounds.
