Scottish emo-rock
America-bashing. A popular concept for stand up comics, anti-war activists and brave politicians; not so popular with aspiring emo-pop bands looking to make their mark within the music industry. However, Twin Atlantic do hail from Scotland, a nation not unknown for their faux-xenophobia and mild contempt of all things stateside; any U.S. tourist that has visited the Edinburgh festival will surely agree.
'You're Turning Into John Wayne' is a full on, emo-rock styled assault on the plethora of 'sell-out' bands who imitate American accents so that they can crack the U.S.A.; Busted aren't actually name checked, but we're reading between the lines... The passion and vitriol behind this message certainly cannot be faulted; front man Sam McTrusty's thick Glaswegian accent spits lines like, “Why do we imitate, all we love to hate? So if there's one thing I want to know, it's what you feel about being American?”
For a band who so overtly despise anything that was manufactured in the U.S.A., it is interesting that their musical styles are so clearly influenced by American emo bands, namely early era Brand New and Jimmy Eat World; the fact that they have recently returned from a support slot for Taking Back Sunday speaks for itself. It is doubtful that on the U.S. leg of that particular tour, Twin Atlantic opened with 'You're Turning Into John Wayne', although perhaps sticking true to their Scottish roots, they just couldn't resist a little mischief...