turnover peripheral vision album meaning

‘Did you lose your trust or feel betrayed?‘ ‘ Is there something I’ve got that you need?’ Lyrics all over this album mimic conversations we had: The keyboard lines of “Much After Feeling” represent the vulnerability between us, sharing secrets we didn’t tell others, eventually confessing the feelings we have for each other. When the dainty sax intro and muted vocals of “Still In Motion” kick in, I imagine myself next to a person I used to be so close to. When you only have eyes for one person in the room, it helps you focus, like you have a light to guide you through. It’s a theme you’ve heard before, but it feels so genuine and sincere with this band when they sing the hook, ‘ because I’m really not that good at making conversation/even when everyone who’s here with me is celebrating.’ Then again, having the right partner can make even the most anxious of situations endurable, maybe even enjoyable. As an introvert constantly drained by my very much people-focused full-time job, there’s a lot I’d rather do than spend my downtime around more people, especially ones I didn’t know, vying to blend in or get lost in the crowd. Too bad it’s the shortest song on the record.Įlsewhere, Turnover finds other ways to speak to me, like with the absolutely relatable “Parties”. The drums are reserved far beyond what their dream pop style usually demands – it’s a mature take on the flavors they deal in. It has a jazzy construct, and not just because of the sax. Some playful saxophone complements Austin Getz’s gentle voice and svelte guitars. Nowhere is that more evident than the deep cut “Ceramic Sky” which is downright sensual. They’re delicate, like each note is a fragile bubble floating through the air, reflecting light through a hazy pink atmosphere generated by the band’s trademark dreamy mood. Much of Turnover‘s recent music has an acute affection to it, even if the songs weren’t explicitly about love. In the context of the album, they make sense and are as heartfelt as anything else the band has produced, but I’ll get to that later.

I sensed an 80s pop aesthetic that was a little played out for me, something I didn’t think Turnover had much business indulging in. I couldn’t feel the songs and it worried me, just like when I couldn’t feel the connection between me and people I once felt close to.

My first instinct was that “Much After Feeling” and “Plant Sugar” were disconnected – from their past and me. That’s why – justified or not – I got a little concerned listening to the two lead singles from Altogether. You can probably see how they’ve come to mean so much to me. The life-weary honesty that’s baked into the lyrics and the surreal instrumentation is quite conducive to therapy, realizing you have issues and attempting to address them, or realizing that there’s reasons why things didn’t work out with a specific person. Turnover has been representative of moving on and healing for me – of getting better. I don’t say that in search of pity – I’ve been a very flawed, even toxic person in my past, I make no effort to hide it though definitely not out of pride. I grew to associate Turnover‘s music, especially Peripheral Vision, with some relationships in my life, primarily ones with people I grew apart from or otherwise lost touch with, probably because I fucked up somewhere. Altogether is here and it’s… complicated. Good Nature gave their music a sunnier disposition and a little heavier focus on melody (not that Turnover ever lacked that). They’ve been tilting away from the hardline indie/emo sound since their last record, 2017’s Good Nature, so I’ve had time to compartmentalize my love for that era of the band and see where they go. Of course I’m talking about fan favorite Peripheral Vision.

It has so strongly resonated with me ever since I discovered it years ago. Turnover is one of my favorite bands ever, almost based solely on one album of theirs.

Turnover peripheral vision album meaning