The five original members of The Turnstiles were brought together in 2003 by a shared love for good music, and a desire to make some of their own. The music, in this case, cuts a swathe of territory ranging from the Replacements to Merle Haggard, by way of roots-rock and country greats like Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash and The Band. While this love is evidenced by striking covers during the course of a 2-set night, the influences are equally evident in their own songs, which are very strong in their own right.

The songs of vocalist/guitarist Brad Thomas, fall firmly on the Haggard end of the spectrum. Whether it’s a wistful, heartbreaking tale of youthful exuberance turned to tragedy, as sung beautifully in “Writing On The Wall”, or rollicking roadhouse rave-ups like “35 Seconds” or “To The Light,” Thomas weaves classic tales of sadness and loss in the best traditions of country music.

There tends to be a little more swagger along with the heartbreak in the songs of vocalist/rhythm guitarist Jon Frye. Songs like “Cold Soaked” and “Klieg Lights” evoke days and nights on the road, with trouble waiting back home. There’s a certain defiance to be found in these songs, as Frye sings “my good name is being sold.”

Michael Maher pulls multiple duty in the band, playing lead guitar, slide guitar, or mandolin as the situation (and the song) requires. He does a masterful job on all of them, as well as adding high lonesome harmonies along the way.

It’s all held together by an outstanding rhythm section with bassist Ken Cotner and drummer Tom Dierdorff, with Tom also adding some lead and harmony vocals.

A few months ago, Charlotte music scene mainstay Tom Eure caught a set at Puckett’s, sat in with the band and liked it so much he stayed. Eure contributes his impressive skills on traditional instruments (fiddle, banjo, and mandolin) and has really rounded out the Turnstiles sound. As if that weren’t enough, Tom is an accomplished songwriter as well, and the Turnstiles have taken to reworking some of the songs from his several solo albums in a Turnstiles context.

A night out to hear the Turnstiles play is a special occasion. Do yourself a favor and experience it for yourself.