Turn Two Isn’t Going Quietly With Newest Single ‘Symptoms of Silence’

There is something pleasant about a song that brings back the nostalgia of plugging your earbuds into your phone as you enter high school. 'Symptoms of Silence' by Turn Two is for those who were into alternative music during that time of their lives and have continued rocking out to alt-pop, rock, punk, or some other variation of the alternative genre. 

This song instantly reminiscent of early All Time Low, Pierce The Veil, Fall Out Boy, and others like them. 

As soon as the lead vocal was heard opening the song using a distorted megaphone effect over a light guitar riff that slowly built up quietly with the rolling drums, there was no denying that this was tapping into a sound loved by alternative fans alike - the early 2000-2010's sonic landscape. Turn Two, a pop punk band from New Jersey brings heavy-hitting drums, loud and gritty guitar riffs, big instrumental breaks, harsh vocals cutting over the instrumentation, and the ebb and flow of pacing is riveting. 

This single showcases how this band is tapping into an "older" approach to alternative music. Acts within alternative genres have fluctuated their sonic sound to bend towards having a commercial radio play. Now more than ever, there is this desire to have something that feels like the alternative rock or, in this case, punk that many of their targeted audience might've grown up with, and without a doubt, Turn Two is leading the way here. 

'Symptoms of Silence' brings a punch to the storytelling in many layers. The instrumentation carries the frenzy of the narrative, and the vocals carry the rest of the message. This particular single by the band relays an overall idea of a powerful deception that drains all colour away from a person they loved or were devoted to. "I taste the iron in my mouth" is how the song opens, indicating at least a physical blow that bleeds, someone anxiously chewing at the inside of their gum until it bleeds, or the truth that is unveiled is comparable to a punch in the face. Perhaps it can be a combination of all of the above. 

The metaphor sets everything up for the listener to know that some type of heavy feeling is enough to make the band bleed, literally or figuratively. That's the beauty of alternative pop-punk; the way they paint their world in interesting and intricate lyrics paired with an impressive live band is not incredible. 

The bridge instrumental is a phenomenal rocking guitar riffing, drum banging, bass-slapping instrumental break. Who doesn't love a well-executed moment where the lead and rhythm guitarist can let go and have fun in their riffs backed by a head-banging rhythm section? This is a moment that any listener can not pass up getting to hear; it adds a delicious layer of texture to the song's composition that just levels it up.

Turn Two is not holding back on this song as they give it their all. 

Tyra Baker

@got_tyra

Image: ‘Symptoms of Silence’ Official Single Cover