Turner

Inspiration is a funny thing. A memory, a conversation, or in this case being fed the classics like Led Zeppelin & Michael Jackson at the family dinner table as a child. Australian pop-rock-folk artist Turner knows how to take inspiration from any situation. Now one may assume that said child would shake off these memories as the good old days and move on, but Richard has taken these memories in his stride as the foundation of his musical journey.
And his musical journey is just about to get a kick up the behind. The Brisbane-based singer/songwriter’s debut LP Ghosts is released globally on the 18th July 2011. REVERB Magazine called the album, “phenomenally catchy” and we simply call it, “a masterpiece”. An auto-biographical look at what the last few years of Turner’s life, Ghosts is an insight into Turner’s headspace.
“Your late 20s are a time to really solidify yourself and your goals as a person and for a while there I was in limbo as to what those goals were. I didn’t really know where the hell I was meant to be. The landscape of my family has changed quite significantly as well in this time, in bot a positive and negative way. Those changes have really defined my path and without a doubt defined the tone of the album.”
With the open tunings of Jeff Buckley and the subtle atmospheric soundscapes created by Radiohead, both a significant part of the Turner blueprint, partnered with the unlikely pop influencers of Sia and Sarah Blasko, the Turner tunes are a thing of vast beauty. A little pop, a little rock and a little folk, rich in colour and undertone. Eddie Vedder meets Tonic meats Gotye, if you will. And don’t let the term pop turn you off, because it’s those subtle pop sensibilities that keeps us hooked and coming back for a second helping.
Debut LP Ghosts and single Move will be released worldwide digitally through Valleyarm on 18th July 2011. Forthcoming single Move also appears on the Absolute Pop Compilation out now. - The AU Review

You know exactly what you are in for when you look at the cover of Turner’s debut album – the lone guitarist on a beach says it all. An album that plays quietly in the background, these soulful songs are great for a mellow, chilled afternoon. Turner has a distinctive voice, his low crooning slowing each song down to create a mellow, acoustic sound. And while his lyrics don’t scream with originality, many of the songs concentrate more on the melody of Turner’s voice, rather than what he says. Other instruments, drums especially, add an extra pop beat or two to every song. However, the acoustic guitar is a clear constant and highlight, particularly in the final song, For John. With the album’s slow, continuous sound, a lot of the songs are indiscernible from each other. Instead, they slowly melt into one another until the album finally slows to a stop. - Rave Magazine

Ben Wright Smith’s humble and relaxing set nursed eager partygoers into a haze of nostalgia, and served as a perfect segue to headlining solo outfit, Queensland’s Richard Grewar, also known as Turner. Turner’s gritty vocals and intricate guitar prowess provided a catchy and well-balanced outro to the unprecedented success of the 2011 A&R Showcase Season, to return in 2012 at St. Kilda’s most diverse venue, the Vineyard. Patrons battling alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation and the brunt of a working week persevered through to the wee hours, with Turner’s unique brand of surf-injected folk-rock sending patrons home in a daze of happy fulfillment. - Valleyarm Digital

Hypnotic swirls backdrop Turner’s stage as The National-esque lead vocalist delivers an enthusiastic ‘hello’ between songs. Looking a lot and sounding a bit like Something For Kate, the band show a lacklustre crowd a very sweet set of unadulterated rock. Featuring an egg specialist, whose skills in percussive delivery (and backing vocals) are beyond impressive, Turner illustrate a depth and dynamism that is unique to a band of middling fame. Presenting a soul-wrenching song dedicated to a friend lost to suicide, the band show exactly what makes them exceptional musicians: a rocky overdrive and a willingness to display bittersweet balladry. - Rave Magazine

After employing his talents in a series of bands over the past decade, Gold Coast based Richard Grewar has funnelled his creative input into a solo project, adopting his family name 'Turner' as the moniker. Inspired by acts such as Radiohead and Goyte, channelled into a decidedly alternative sound, 'Ghosts' high points, spearheaded by Grewar's baritone charm, include the rolling, calculated punch of 'Picking Locks' and the phenomenally catcy hooks of 'Always'. Grewar is a talented songwriter, but his experimental edge is diluted by its limited range. Regardless, he is one to watch. - REVERB MAGAZINE