It’s a famous saying that good things take time. In the case of Lost Weekend, the sophomore album by Turncoat Syndicate, this is most definitely the case. Seven years after the release of their debut album, The Life You Wanted, the Virginia-based band is back with a dynamic, honest, and cohesive record- a record that proves alternative rock is alive and well today.
If the news of Lost Weekend’s release wasn’t enough to energize fans, its opening track, Charmed, will certainly do the trick. The song builds anticipation immediately, layering melodic guitar picking, rapid hi-hats, and assertive vocals. From there, its punchy drumbeats, bass, and electric guitar establish the album’s 90s rock-inspired sound.
As the record progresses, Turncoat Syndicate keeps listeners engaged with Angels & Devils. The track’s eerie intro could easily score a horror movie, and the deep, reflective lyrics that follow bring fans into the conversation of good versus evil. By repeating the phrases, “cause there’s angels and devils amongst us,” “we don’t trust you,” and “you shouldn’t trust us,” Turncoat Syndicate makes their emphasis of duality and conflict clear. As the song builds, introspection collides with powerful drums, guitar, and vocals, leaving a lasting impact both emotionally and sonically.
Much like Angels & Devils, each of Lost Weekend’s tracks strike a balance between intensity and depth- yet they still maintain their own unique character. Burn All of it Down seamlessly blends rock with folk elements, while Outside World’s slower, bluesy sound shows off the band’s range- and refusal to limit themselves to one genre. Sweet Ecstasy is one of the album’s most sincere songs, shaped by painful admissions of denial and longing; “I don’t wanna believe,” and “so stay with me sweet Maybelline” ring out over a gentler acoustic melody. With Past Mistakes, Turncoat Syndicate shifts their focus from future hopes to regret- another example of the immense ground their storylines cover.
Towards the end of Lost Weekend, Bender’s powerful bassline and gritty vocals bring the spotlight back to true alternative rock. In their final song, Feathers, Turncoat Syndicate chooses to “be happy” after exploring various grim emotions and questions throughout the album. With its climactic ending and realization that “the only thing to harm us is smoke below,” the record leaves it all out there, ending on an honest and positive note.
All in all, Turncoat Syndicate delivers an incredibly satisfying return with Lost Weekend. The only real disappointment? Not hearing it live.
Eva Fajkowski
