If you’ve been sleeping on Turn Two, now’s the time to wake up. This band isn’t just another group of Jersey Shore locals making noise in their parents’ garages, these guys are scene veterans forming what feels like a DIY pop punk supergroup.
Let’s break it down: Turn Two was born out of a chance online post between founding members Shane Maziekien (drums) and Matt Favaloro (guitar), who were looking for a vocalist for a new band that captured the energy of early 2000s emo. Enter Mike Hayden, formerly of Count To Four, who not only stepped up to the mic, but brought in longtime friend and bassist Mason Ingling to complete the lineup. The result? A tight-knit crew of friends with serious stage chops and an even more serious knack for writing infectious, emotional bangers.
These aren’t your average newcomers. Shane was in With The Punches, a band that toured the U.S., UK, and even Japan with heavyweights like Mayday Parade, Real Friends, and Neck Deep. That experience bleeds through in Turn Two’s music; it’s polished, passionate, and knows exactly where it came from.
Their debut EP Darkest Days is proof that they’re not just here to play shows, they’re here to make waves. One of the standout tracks, “Polaroid,” is a prime example of their sound: catchy as hell, emotionally charged, and relatable to anyone who’s ever gotten sucker-punched by a memory.
“Polaroid” is about those mental snapshots that randomly pop into your head, the ones you didn’t ask for but can’t forget. Maybe it’s an ex. Maybe it’s an old friend. Maybe it’s a version of yourself you don’t recognize anymore. Either way, the band wraps all that heartache into a melodic, high-energy anthem that turns pain into power. You’ll be singing the chorus before you realize it’s hitting you right in the feels.
With tight production from Matt Weber (Gradwell House Recording), powerful live shows, and a growing fanbase, Turn Two is bringing real heart back to pop punk, and they’re doing it with a smile, a scream, and a damn good hook.
