When I first heard Turnstile’s cover of Burning Fight on BBC 1’s Live Lounge Late, I was immediately struck by how seamlessly they channeled the raw energy of Zack de la Rocha’s pre-Rage Against the Machine era. What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Turnstile, a band known for their modern hardcore punk sound, honors the original while still making it their own. It’s not just a cover—it’s a dialogue between generations of rebellion. Personally, I think this is where Turnstile shines: they’re not just revisiting history; they’re reinterpreting it for a new audience.
One thing that immediately stands out is Brendan Yates’ vocal delivery. It’s incendiary, yes, but there’s also a vulnerability there that feels distinctly Turnstile. What many people don’t realize is that Burning Fight was originally recorded by Inside Out in 1990, a year before Rage Against the Machine even existed. This song is a time capsule of de la Rocha’s early political and musical ethos, and Turnstile’s rendition feels like a torch being passed. If you take a step back and think about it, this cover isn’t just a tribute—it’s a statement about the enduring relevance of hardcore as a vehicle for dissent.
What this really suggests is that Turnstile isn’t just a band; they’re curators of a legacy. Their decision to cover Burning Fight isn’t random—it’s a deliberate nod to the roots of their genre. From my perspective, this is what separates them from so many contemporary acts. They’re not just chasing trends; they’re digging into the soil of their influences and planting new seeds.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how Turnstile’s cover sits alongside their performances of I CARE and DULL from their album NEVER ENOUGH. These songs, while distinctly Turnstile, share the same DNA as Burning Fight—a blend of fury and introspection. This raises a deeper question: how does a band balance paying homage to their roots while carving out their own identity? Turnstile’s answer seems to be by embracing both, seamlessly weaving the past into the present.
If we zoom out, Turnstile’s Live Lounge Late session is more than just a performance—it’s a cultural moment. It’s a reminder that hardcore punk, often dismissed as a relic of the past, is very much alive and evolving. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Turnstile is bridging the gap between the 90s hardcore scene and today’s diverse music landscape. Their upcoming festival dates, from Bonnaroo to Lollapalooza, are a testament to their ability to transcend genres and generations.
In my opinion, Turnstile’s cover of Burning Fight isn’t just a song—it’s a manifesto. It’s a declaration that the spirit of rebellion is timeless, and that music, at its best, is a conversation that spans decades. Personally, I think this is why Turnstile resonates so deeply with fans. They’re not just making music; they’re making history. And if their Live Lounge Late session is any indication, they’re just getting started.
