ALBUM REVIEW: Myself In The Way – Turnover
After making a name for themselves as early as 2012, indie band TURNOVER have been touring full-time since. With lockdown finally giving them the opportunity to stop and reflect, the Virginia-based four-piece took the time to explore their interests and develop their musical skills. A by-product of this is their fifth studio album Myself In The Way, which could be their most experimental and experienced record yet. Another way that the band made the best of lockdown was in the form of bassist Dan Dempsey practising his artwork, and the album’s cover is one of his paintings. TURNOVER have always been a DIY kind of band, and this is pushed even further with this latest album. With vocalist Austin Getz co-producing, this album is the creation of everything the band have to offer and have worked on for almost two years, and that’s bound to show when listening to it.
After an ambient instrumental that slowly builds, the album really begins with Tears Of Change. Immediately it’s a mellow, relaxed sound with interesting and varied instrumentals, and it’s a pretty good example of what’s to come. The gentle guitars are a highlight of this song, and while the sound might not be what fans are expecting, it’s a fairly beautiful song. Next is the title track Myself In The Way, featuring Brenden Yates of TURNSTILE. Beginning with isolated vocals and building up to a more instrumental sound, it’s a strong song. Yates’ vocals add depth, and the autotune elevates the electronic elements throughout. While this track can take a while to get into, the middle and end are worth the wait.
TURNOVER have mastered the smooth, synthy sound with different variations, and this is clear on tracks like Wait Too Long, Pleasures Galore and Fantasy. These are all completely different to anything the band have done before, but for something more similar to their usual sound, People That We Know is a more upbeat track. They use a jazz bass, which is a really unique component. The verses are a huge contrast to the chorus, keeping it interesting. A really high point on the album is Ain’t Love Heavy, featuring Bre Morell of TEMPLE OF ANGELS. Morell’s vocals are beautiful, and definitely complete the song. In terms of lyrics, they are often quite simplistic, but they really stand out on Queen In The River and the closing track Bored Of God / Orlando.
To best appreciate this album, you have to separate it from everything else the band have released. It’s different, and not everyone’s a fan of that. It’s definitely not an upbeat indie rock album, and it’s not typical TURNOVER, but that is okay. Musically, Myself In The Way is experimental with sounds you’d never think would work, but they do. It’s relaxed and deliberate, and an album to play while you’re thinking about life. It’s clear TURNOVER are making the music that they want to make, and while it’s probably not for everyone, Myself In The Way is a really beautiful album.
Rating: 7/10
Myself In The Way is set for release on November 4th via Run For Cover Records.
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