When I first heard Turnstile’s cover of Burning Fight on BBC 1’s Live Lounge Late, I was immediately struck by the raw energy they brought to a song that’s already a hardcore anthem. What makes this particularly fascinating is the lineage of the track—originally recorded by Zack de la Rocha’s pre-Rage Against the Machine band, Inside Out, in 1990. It’s like witnessing a musical torch being passed across generations, yet Turnstile doesn’t just replicate the original; they infuse it with their own Baltimore-bred intensity. Brendan Yates’ vocal delivery is nothing short of incendiary, a reminder that hardcore isn’t just a genre—it’s a mindset.
Personally, I think this cover is more than a tribute; it’s a statement. Turnstile is a band that thrives on blending chaos and melody, and their take on Burning Fight feels like a bridge between the early ’90s hardcore scene and today’s post-hardcore renaissance. What many people don’t realize is how deeply rooted this song is in the history of political and social rebellion. Inside Out’s No Spiritual Surrender EP, where the track first appeared, was a precursor to the revolutionary sound de la Rocha would later bring to RATM. Turnstile’s rendition honors that legacy while making it their own, proving that the fight—whether it’s against systemic injustice or personal stagnation—is far from over.
One thing that immediately stands out is how seamlessly Turnstile transitions from this cover to their own material during the session. Performances of I CARE and DULL from their album NEVER ENOUGH showcase their ability to balance aggression with vulnerability. If you take a step back and think about it, this duality is what makes them such a compelling band. They’re not just screaming into the void; they’re inviting you to feel something, to question something, to do something.
This raises a deeper question: What does it mean for a band like Turnstile to cover a song like Burning Fight in 2024? In my opinion, it’s a reminder that the struggles of the past are still relevant today. The song’s lyrics, though written over three decades ago, resonate with the same urgency as they did in 1990. From my perspective, Turnstile isn’t just paying homage—they’re reigniting a conversation about resistance, both on and off the stage.
A detail that I find especially interesting is their upcoming tour schedule. With dates at festivals like Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Austin City Limits, they’re bringing this message to a massive, diverse audience. What this really suggests is that hardcore isn’t confined to underground venues anymore. It’s gone mainstream, but not at the expense of its authenticity. Turnstile’s ability to maintain their edge while appealing to a broader audience is a testament to their artistry.
As I reflect on their Live Lounge Late performance, I’m left with a sense of optimism. Turnstile isn’t just a band; they’re a movement. They’re proving that music can still be a force for change, a rallying cry for those who refuse to be silenced. Personally, I think we’re witnessing the rise of a new generation of hardcore—one that’s unafraid to look back while boldly moving forward. And if Burning Fight is any indication, the fight is far from over.
