Review: Twin Atlantic @ Manchester Academy, 01/11/12

High expectations were resting on the shoulders of Sam McTrusty, Barry McKenna, Ross McNae and Craig Kneale prior to the release of their first full album last year and, as tonight’s gig proved, they’ve well and truly stepped up to the plate. Despite being armed with an ever expanding fan base and Radio 1 A-list accolades, there was no hint of self-importance, apathy or insolence.

The band kicked things off with ‘Time For You To Stand Up’, and it was blatant that the sold-out Academy was behind them from the get-go. Deafening screams ensued, as did word perfect renditions of pretty much every track in the set. Twin Atlantic's brand of ‘big verse into gigantic chorus’ songs melt your frontal lobes and engross you with serotonin, warranting themselves celestially to the ample surroundings.

With unrelenting energy the band delivered a tightly hewn set that was ballsy, expansive and proud. Shifting between 2009’s mini-album ‘Vivarium’ and last year’s full length record ‘Free’; older offerings such as ‘Lightspeed’, complete with its agile riffs, boyish charm and beefy basslines were dextrously integrated.

One thing that is strikingly obvious is how passionate these four boys are about the music they've made and how determined they are to deliver a top notch show. Their vehemence so tangible that you feel instantly invigorated in their presence.

'You're Turning Into John Wayne' with its highly referential American theme saw the wall of stage lights cleverly take on an ode to the stars and stripes and glare with every crash of the drums. McTrusty's eminently recognisible Glaswegian accent was raw and endearing throughout; how refreshing to hear a native accent and not an arid impression of American peers.

New song ‘Brothers and Sisters’ showed they’ve gone down a slightly more intricate and rhythmic route with heavier, lovelorn lyrics - but at the same time still encompassing that signature Twin Atlantic sound. With Sam playing rhythm guitar with every ounce of energy he had, as if his life depended on every jagged chord being perfectly executed, he declared it was time to “go big or go home”. And with that they launched into a rabid rendition of ‘What Is Light? Where Is Laughter?’, the boundless on stage energy prompting the mosh pit to swarm.

Announcing that this was their 27th show in Manchester and their biggest headline show to date, they proceeded to thank everyone who had crammed into Academy 3 over the years to see them – “thanks for bringing all these crazy bastards back with you” they yelped. Rewarding us with the song that bought them to the attention of the masses, ‘Free’, the crowd almost bust a lung trying their damndest to re-create the Scottish twang, bellowing “so I can de freeeee yeahhhh”. The hairs on the back of our necks, aloof.

The encore saw things stripped back, with McTrusty taking on the Beatles classic ‘All My Loving’ – simplistic and intimate with the softest strumming and lilting vocals; a stark contrast. Poignant fan favourite ‘Crash Land’ saw the sumptuous strings continue with an air of emotional honesty; McKenna set to for a cello solo which amalgamated the fey and the anthemic perfectly. ‘Yes I Was Drunk’ followed, showcasing Sam’s beguiling fragility and vulnerability before they ended on the unencumbered and liberating ‘Make A Beast of Myself’.

McTrusty thrusting himself off stage and crowd surfing for the last song felt like a metaphor for what the four-piece are seemingly doing; riding on the crest of a wave, finally reaping the rewards of their earnest work. They’ve drawn the obvious comparisons to Biffy Clyro, and I’ve a funny feeling they’re heading down the same path. Slow burning success and then boom, hello arenas. Here’s hoping anyway.

Words: Michelle Lloyd

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