It’s single time again from my favourite Italian boys, Turnpike Glow, and this time they’re airing out track The Turn, The Pike and The Glow. Now, you may think you’ve heard the song before – and you’d be right – but there have been some very important changes made since their very generous MP3 giveaway back in 2011. Mainly, the introduction of new guitarist, Tom P Griffiths, and the production skills of Dave Newfield (who’s had the pleasure of working with bands such as Broken Social Scene, Los Campesinos and Super Furry Animals). Both are definitely a change for the better, but that’s not to say Turnpike Glow didn’t have a good thing going already.
The song itself is a regular slice of the 80s, complete with syncopated disco beat, the tiniest tweak of reverb on the guitars and vocals, courtesy of Giuseppe, that sound so dangerously similar to Neil Tennant, the lads could easily earn their crust playing as a Pet Shop Boystribute act if the Turnpike gigs ever dry up. Based on the strength of this single, that’s not going to happen anytime soon.
Again, Turnpike Glow‘s main draw is the likeability of the band members themselves. As evidenced by their videos and live shows, these are approachable people having a lot of fun making music, and it shines through every song they make. There are no egos jostling for the spotlight – both Sandro and Giuseppe share the role of front-man seamlessly, each one’s voice bringing its own particular flavour to their sound. Two singles down, and I’m already counting the days until they release their new EP, Inflatable Optimism (it’s out on June 11th).
The Turn, The Pike and The Glow is released via Fünke Pop Records and is available from the band’s official website – if you tweet or share a post about them on Facebook, you can download it absolutely free.
