Turncoat Syndicate - Lost Weekend Pt. 1

​Turncoat Syndicate

Lost Weekend Pt. 1
self-released; 2023

​​By ​Dino DiMuro 

Turncoat Syndicate is a Norfolk, Virginia alternative rock band with a very cool name. Their first full-length album The Life You Wanted was released in 2018, and was honored as the VEER Magazine album of the year. Their newest EP is titled Lost Weekend Pt. 1.

The band members are Dan Forlines (vocals), Will Clarke (guitar), Pat Maurer (bass) and Mat Talley (drums). They describe their music as “straightforward alternative rock inspired by 90’s grunge.”

“Past Mistakes” begins our set with a deep, thumping kick drum beat and a single note repeated on the bass strings, like a giant out for a stroll. Over this backing they introduce a simple, chiming guitar motif. The vocals of Dan Forlines definitely come from the 90’s school as exemplified by Eddie Vedder. Almost beyond awareness, the guitars seem to flourish into orchestral instruments (unless those are actually string samples!), with the stereo image multiplying and enveloping the listener. The chorus of “past mistakes, better days” is simple in concept but quite effective, building power with each iteration.

“Angels & Devils” begins with a similar orchestral effect to the backing track in “Past Mistakes.”  Up top we hear a trebly guitar riff that in another context would sound like surf or spy music. As the melodies kick in, the song begins to feel even more like a mysterious movie soundtrack with cool reversed sound waves and the occasional vibe chime. The chorus triples the barrage with a fuzz-heavy wall of sound. The idea that we all have both angels and devils within us is not exactly new but works quite well here. “Do you ever fantasize / Things that you should never try?” Guilty, your Honor! The tempo basically quadruples just before the big, stomping finale. 

“Outside World” is a crisp guitar-centered outing with assertive stadium-like vocals and deep thumping tubs. Just when you think it can’t get any heavier, the chorus roars in on a solid wall of sound with slabs of crunch guitar, keys and stacked vocals. It’s an unstoppable force that will have you on your knees or running for cover. 

This was a new band to me and the skill and diversity of their playing was impressive. Check ‘em out! 

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