Twin Atlantic at King's College London Student's Union, 13/05/2011
King College is a funny little venue. At a packed out gig like this one the density of the crowd was so tight that you end up involuntarily partaking in a wet t-shirt contest with each attempted shuffle through the bodies with your pint in hand. Not as sexy as it sounds when it's Guinness being sloshed and splattered down your cleavage. Even so, this was a remarkably pleasant crowd that smiled with each 'sorry! Sorry!' as you trod all over their feet in passing. To be honest, it wasn't all surprising. They were a crowd attending a band that have a tendency that capture the warm feeling of excitement usually only achieved by a promised trip to Toys R' Us as a kid.
Yes, Twin Atlantic are very special. Their sound has something about it which is so powerful that it induces a surging feeling of importance and defiance of sorts. If Rocky had to end that montage punching his way to positivity at the top of a flight of stairs in this day and age something like 'Lightspeed' would be the only suitable replacement for his theme tune. Having 'Free' picked to open the set pushed the bar impressively high. Laced with drama, melody and punch in equal measure the crowd were allowed to feel lifted and elated before we'd even got started. Each and every person buzzed off the euphoria that each note is steeped in- and it really got you excited for what was on it's way. The momentum was very much built upon by whipping out 'Edit Me' without so much as a breather. It's a short track but something of a sonic espresso- the energy that pulsated from that stage with each soaring chorus and flash of lights raised many fists in the air.
The characteristics that define Twin Atlantic truly sparkle on the live stage. You don't want to make it sound like a novelty, but it really is something in the openly Scottish vocals that give their music an extra dimension. It may very well be the only situation since 'Letter From America' where people will happily sing along while attempting the twang. Vocalist Sam McTrusty- had he been more inclined to distressed denim and hair gel rather than guitar and edgy songwriting- could have easily cut a fitting silhouette in a boy band line-up given the amount of collective swooning he attracts. Arguably not just from females either. Of course the talent stretches further than that, with each band member clearly a master of his craft. Songs like 'Caribbean War Syndrome' allowed for collectively indulgent periods of rocking out- and the crashing instrumentals to bright floods of light were sensually stunning. Lead guitarist Barry even took a turn on cello for 'Crash Land', a really emotive performance as the set was given a very well pitched lull to it's pace.
This was a really exciting show. Twin Atlantic have successfully created a sound that can inspire and engage their audiences which is something that really shouldn't be taken for granted. It was a real pleasure to see this band deliver when it came to a live set. Their records express so much passion it would have been so disappointing to see it fall flat on stage. It only took the reaction to favourites like 'What is Light? Where is Laughter?' and 'You're Turning Into John Wayne' to show just how right this band have got it.