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Twin Atlantic

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Twin Atlantic
Singer/guitarist Sam McTrusty at The Viper Room, 2012
Singer/guitarist Sam McTrusty at The Viper Room, 2012
Background information
OriginGlasgow, Scotland
Genres
Years active2007–present
Labels
MembersSam McTrusty
Ross McNae
Past membersBarry McKenna[1]
Craig Kneale
Websitetwinatlantic.com

Twin Atlantic are a Scottish alternative rock band from Glasgow, Scotland. The group currently consists of Sam McTrusty (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Ross McNae (bass). Lead guitarist Barry McKenna departed from the band in 2019, but continues to perform with the band at their live shows. Craig Kneale (drums) "decided to step back" from the band in September 2021, just a day after the release of their song "One Man Party" from their then most recent album Transparency. They have released seven albums: Vivarium, Free, Great Divide, GLA, Power, Transparency and Meltdown. Their highest-charting single is "Heart and Soul" from Great Divide, which peaked at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart.[2] On 2 June 2016, Annie Mac premiered "No Sleep" as the Hottest Record in the World on BBC Radio 1[3] and announced their album GLA, subsequently released on 9 September 2016.

History

Formation, A Guidance from Colour (2006–2008)

Twin Atlantic formed in 2006. All members previously played in other small local bands. During 2007 they built up a strong reputation both locally and nationally. Twin Atlantic supported Circa Survive and mewithoutYou before recording their debut EP A Guidance from Colour at Long Wave Studio in Cardiff with producer Romesh Dodangoda (Funeral for a Friend, Kids in Glass Houses, the Blackout). This culminated in the release of their first single, "Audience & Audio", on 24 December 2007 and debut EP on 14 January 2008.

Building on support from Kerrang! and a loyal fan base, the band's profile was boosted enough for them to land support slots with Biffy Clyro and they were personally chosen by Jimmy Chamberlin to support Smashing Pumpkins at Glasgow's SECC in early February.[citation needed] Over the following months, they also supported American acts the Matches, Finch and Say Anything on their respective UK tours.

In mid-2008, Twin Atlantic played many festivals in Scotland, including T in the Park, Belladrum Festival, Wickerman Festival, RockNess, Live at Loch Lomond and Connect Music Festival.

The band signed a single deal with King Tut's Recordings, and "What Is Light? Where Is Laughter?" was released on 29 September 2008. They also completed a joint headline tour of Scotland with the Xcerts and their first set of solo headline dates across the UK.

Vivarium (2009–2010)

In March 2009, Twin Atlantic released their debut mini-album, Vivarium.[4] They released the lead single "Lightspeed" as a free download from their website on 29 July 2009, with a bonus acoustic version of the track also available. The follow-up single "You're Turning Into John Wayne" was released on 7 September 2009, with the mini-album released a week later.

On 7 March 2009, they played a sold-out gig at Queen Margaret Union (QMU).

The band toured extensively in 2009 and 2010, having played Download Festival, Guilfest, T in the Park, Sonisphere and Belladrum over the summer of 2009, including supporting Taking Back Sunday on a tour of the UK and Ireland in July 2009. This continued into a full tour of the UK in September and then the United States with the Fall of Troy and Envy On The Coast in March and April 2010. In June 2010, Twin Atlantic supported the Gaslight Anthem on their British mini-tour and on 7 August 2010 they played at the Hevy Music Festival.

Twin Atlantic played at the sold-out Belsonic festival in Belfast on 28 August 2010 supporting Biffy Clyro.[5]

Following a sold-out show at Glasgow's ABC, they landed the dream slot of supporting Blink-182 on their reunion tour in Scotland in August 2010.[6]

On 21 October 2010, the band announced, that they would be supporting My Chemical Romance for three upcoming dates.[7]

Free (2011–2013)

Twin Atlantic finished recording their album Free and it was released on 29 April 2011 in the Republic of Ireland and 2 May 2011 in the United Kingdom.[8] The album's first single was "Edit Me", released on 14 February.[9]

Second single "Free" was first played on BBC Radio 1 on the Zane Lowe show on 10 March[citation needed]. The third single released was "Time For You To Stand Up" on 11 July,[10] with "Cherry Slut" and "Babylonian Throwdown" as B-sides. On 26 September, a fourth single was released from the album; "Make A Beast Of Myself", including the B-side "Your Amazing Lying, Lion, Lie In".

In the summer of 2012, the band was on the Vans Warped Tour. Twin Atlantic also supported Blink-182 again in some venues on their UK tour alongside the All-American Rejects.[11]

A remix of their single, "Free", was used for the closing of the Discovery Channel's coverage of the 2012 Red Bull Stratos space jump by Felix Baumgartner.

Their song "Crash Land" was featured in the British film Not Another Happy Ending in 2013.

Great Divide (2014–2015)

Twin Atlantic released their album Great Divide in August 2014. In February 2014, Twin Atlantic joined Thirty Seconds to Mars on the second part of their European Arena tour.

On 31 March 2014 Zane Lowe premiered "Heart and Soul" as the Hottest Record in the World on BBC Radio 1.[12][13] The track won the award for 'Best Independent Track' at the 2014 Association of Independent Music Awards.

On 23 April 2014 the band's third studio album Great Divide was announced, with a release date of 18 August 2014.

Twin Atlantic did a four-date tour in support of the album, playing Brixton Academy in London and they sold out their hometown show at Glasgow's SSE Hydro. During the summer of 2015, the band performed at several festivals including Glastonbury Festival and T in the Park festival at the new site at Strathallan Castle. The band headlined the BBC Radio 1 Stage on Saturday at T in the Park 2015. They concluded their album campaign at Reading and Leeds Festival in August 2015.

The last single from the album campaign was "Fall into the Party", the official video included highlights of the previous 18 months promoting the album at several gigs, festivals, and their massive headline show at The SSE Hydro.

The band were nominated as finalists for Best Live Act 2015 by the Association of Independent Music. Twin Atlantic were named 'Best UK Band' at the 2016 SSE Scottish Music Awards.[14]

GLA (2016–2019)

Twin Atlantic released their fourth studio album, GLA, on 9 September 2016. The tracks "Gold Elephant: Cherry Alligator" and "No Sleep" were released on 3 June. Annie Mac premiered "No Sleep" as the Hottest Record in the World on BBC Radio 1. On 7 July 2016, Zane Lowe premiered the track "Ex El" on his Beats 1 radio show.

The second single from the album "The Chaser" was then premiered by Annie Mac on Thursday 18 August 2016 on BBC Radio 1. They gave fans the opportunity to be involved in the music video, which was shot in Buff Club in Glasgow, the club where they played their first gig together.

The album was produced by Jacknife Lee in Los Angeles. GLA is the airport code for the band's hometown, Glasgow. They made their BBC national TV debut on Later... with Jools Holland on 4 October 2016 performing three songs "No Sleep", "The Chaser" and "Ex El".

They then embarked on several tours in support of the album, taking them around the UK and Europe, including a run of three nights at the renowned Barrowland Ballroom in their native Glasgow.

As of September 2017, Twin Atlantic were writing new music, which they hoped to release shortly thereafter.[15]

Power (2020)

Twin Atlantic announced their fifth studio album, Power, and simultaneously released the lead single, "Novocaine". In a Kerrang! interview speaking of the band's first new music since 2016's GLA, frontman Sam McTrusty said of "Novocaine": "I wanted to force myself to be more honest and open. The song tells the story of the most intimate connection I’ve ever felt with someone else: when I first met my wife. That feeling of obsession taking over every thought and reason was almost like an addiction at the time. It embarrasses us in some ways that we fell victim to such a clichéd movie script love story, but equally amazes us that it ever happened."[16]

They have a UK intimate tour lined up for 2020 with the album releasing on 24 January 2020.

Transparency and Kneale's departure (2021–present)

In September 2021, drummer Craig Kneale released a statement via social media announcing his departure from the band, and the band subsequently announced their sixth album Transparency, which was released on 7 January 2022.[17]

Musical style

Twin Atlantic's music has been described as alternative rock,[18][19] power pop,[20][21] emo pop,[18] and indie rock.[22] The band's influences include Blink-182, Nirvana,[23] Rage Against the Machine,[24] and Depeche Mode.[25] McTrusty has also cited Bruce Springsteen's 1975 album Born to Run, Nirvana's 1991 album Nevermind, and Shellac's 1994 debut At Action Park as personal influences.[26]

Members

Current members

  • Sam McTrusty – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (2007–present)
  • Ross McNae – bass, keyboards, backing vocals (2007–present)

Former members

  • Craig Kneale – drums (2007–2021)

Touring members

  • Barry McKenna – lead guitar, cello, keyboards, backing vocals.[note 1]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Details Peak chart positions Certifications
SCO
[27] 		BEL
(WA)
[28] 		IRL
[29] 		UK
[30][31] 		UK
Indie
[32] 		UK
Rock
[33]
Vivarium 28 — — 148 21 —
Free
  • Released: 29 April 2011
  • Label: Red Bull
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 4 — — 37 5 1
Great Divide
  • Released: 18 August 2014
  • Label: Red Bull
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 1 — 77 6 2 1
GLA
  • Released: 9 September 2016
  • Label: Red Bull
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 3 167 — 9 2 1
Power
  • Released: 24 January 2020
  • Label: Virgin EMI
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, digital download
 1 — — 11 — —
Transparency
  • Released: 7 January 2022[35]
  • Label: Believe
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, digital download
 1 — — 27 1 —
Meltdown
  • Released: 9 August 2024
  • Label: Staple Diet
  • Formats: CD, vinyl, digital download
 8 — — — 16 —
"—" denotes a title that did not chart.

EPs

Title EP details
A Guidance from Colour
  • Released: 14 January 2008
  • Label: Staple Diet
  • Formats: CD, DL
Finch + Twin Atlantic Split EP
  • Released: 2009
  • Label: Red Bull
  • Formats: CD, DL

Singles

Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
SCO
[36] 		AUT
[37] 		BEL
(FL)
[38] 		MEX
Air.
[39] 		UK
[40][30] 		UK
Indie
[41] 		UK
Rock
[42] 		US
Alt.
[43]
"Audience and Audio" 2007 — — — — — — — — A Guidance from Colour
"What Is Light? Where Is Laughter?" 2008 — — — — — — — — Non-album single
"Lightspeed" 2009 86 — — — — — — — Vivarium
"What Is Light? Where Is Laughter?" (re-release) 43 — — — — 35 18 —
"You're Turning Into John Wayne" — — — — — — — —
"Human After All" 2010 — — — — — — — —
"Edit Me" 2011 — — — — — — — — Free
"Free" 43 28 — — 99 13 2 29
"Time for You to Stand Up" — — — — — — — —
"Make a Beast of Myself" 58 — — — 129 9 2 —
"Yes, I Was Drunk" 2012 — — — — — 32 9 —
"Heart and Soul" 2014 4 — — 14 17 2 1 35 Great Divide
"Brothers and Sisters" 9 — — — 47 3 1 —
"Hold On" — — — — — — 34 —
"Oceans" 2015 — — — — — — — —
"Fall Into the Party" — — — — — — — —
"No Sleep" 2016 54 — —[A] 39 — — 15 — GLA
"Gold Elephant: Cherry Alligator" — — — — — — — —
"Ex El" — — — — — — — —
"The Chaser" — — — — — — — —
"Mothertongue" — — — — — — — —
"—" denotes a title that did not chart

Notes

  1. ^ McKenna was originally a full-time member from 2007 before stepping down in 2019, albeit he continues to perform with the band onstage.
  1. ^ "No Sleep" did not enter the Ultratop chart, but peaked at number 35 on the Ultratip chart.

References

  1. ^ McMonagle, Mickey (17 October 2019). "Twin Atlantic return with a brand new sound inspired by Glasgow's club scene". Glasgowlive.co.uk. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  2. ^ "TWIN ATLANTIC - full official chart history - Official Charts Company". Official Charts. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  3. ^ Maine, Sammy. "NME: Twin Atlantic to play secret show in Glasgow tomorrow". NME. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
  4. ^ "Twin Atlantic Biography | Twin Atlantic". Free.twinatlantic.com. Archived from the original on 6 April 2012. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
  5. ^ "August 2010 - Custom House Square, Belfast". Belsonic. Archived from the original on 23 August 2010. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
  6. ^ "Twin Atlantic to Support Blink-182". Rock Sound. 16 June 2010. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  7. ^ McKinlay, Fiona (17 November 2010). "DiS meets My Chemical Romance: "It's hard to stay dirty" / In Depth // Drowned In Sound". Drownedinsound.com. Archived from the original on 19 November 2010. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
  8. ^ "Twin Atlantic Recording Debut Album With Gil Norton | News | Rock Sound". Rocksound.tv. Archived from the original on 15 September 2012. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
  9. ^ "Twin Atlantic Announce Debut Album Title | News | Rock Sound". Rocksound.tv. Archived from the original on 15 September 2012. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
  10. ^ "'Time For You To Stand Up' Released Today. | Twin Atlantic". Free.twinatlantic.com. Archived from the original on 24 March 2012. Retrieved 3 March 2012.
  11. ^ "Blink-182 Announce Supports For UK Tour". Rock Sound. 24 January 2012. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
  12. ^ Hawkins, Sam. "AdTech Ad Listen: Twin Atlantic Return With New Single, 'Heart And Soul'". Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  13. ^ Twin Atlantic [@twinatlantic] (8 September 2013). "Branching out on the new album with some Dub Sing Alongs. It'll be all the rage in 2014. @ CaVa Studios" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  14. ^ "Twin Atlantic named Best UK Band at SSE Scottish Music Awards". BBC News. 27 November 2016. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  15. ^ Mark Beaumont (9 September 2017). "Twin Atlantic promise new material by next summer". NME. Retrieved 19 September 2018.
  16. ^ "Twin Atlantic Announce New Album, Power, And Intimate UK Tour". Kerrang.com. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  17. ^ Rogers, Jack (3 September 2021). "Twin Atlantic Have Announced The Details Of Their New Album 'Transparency'". Rock Sound. Retrieved 3 September 2021.
  18. ^ a b "AllMusic - Twin Atlantic". AllMusic. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  19. ^ Redrup, Zach (2 March 2017). "NEWS: Twin Atlantic confirm headline UK tour for May 2017". Dead Press. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  20. ^ "ALBUM: Twin Atlantic – Free". Dead Press. 2 May 2011. Archived from the original on 23 January 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2021. Their music is direct power pop with a hard alternative edge, and 'Free' is the perfect showcase for their infectious noise.
  21. ^ "Twin Atlantic - Artist - Clash Magazine". Clash. 23 January 2009. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  22. ^ MacKinnon, James (7 June 2020). "Twin Atlantic: "Hope And Love Tend To Conquer Fear And Hate"". Kerrang!. Retrieved 31 March 2021. Twin Atlantic's gamble to break away from the indie-rock perfectionism of Free (2011) and Great Divide (2014), which had made them a well-known name, in favour of trusting their instincts and gutsy rock, paid off.
  23. ^ Shutler, Ali (14 September 2023). "Twin Atlantic share 'Stuck In A Car With You' and tell us about their "unhinged guitar record"". NME. Archived from the original on 28 September 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  24. ^ "TWIN ATLANTIC'S SAM McTRUSTY | 'GLA' IS OUR PLACE BETWEEN OUR TASTE, VISION AND INFLUENCES". Fame Magazine. 6 September 2016. Archived from the original on 18 August 2022. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  25. ^ McBay, Nadine (27 February 2020). "The rise of Twin Atlantic, hanging on to their independence". The National. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  26. ^ Ramirez, Carlos (16 December 2011). "Five Albums That Changed My Life: Sam McTrusty of Twin Atlantic". Noisecreep. Archived from the original on 30 August 2018. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  27. ^ Peak chart position on the Scottish Albums Chart:
  28. ^ "Belgian Positions (Wallonie)". ultratop.be. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
  29. ^ "Irish Charts - Twin Atlantic". Irish Charts. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
  30. ^ a b "Twin Atlantic- full Official Charts History". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  31. ^ "Chart Log UK 1994–2010 DJ T – Tzant". Zobbel. Retrieved 12 May 2019.
  32. ^ Peak chart position on the UK Indie Albums Chart:
  33. ^ Peak chart position on the UK Rock Albums Chart:
  34. ^ a b c "British certifications – Twin Atlantic". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 19 April 2022. Type Twin Atlantic in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  35. ^ Inglis, Tony (5 January 2022). "Twin Atlantic – 'Transparency' review: their weirdest, funniest and most appealing album yet". NME. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  36. ^ Peak chart position on the Scottish Singles Chart:
  37. ^ "Twin Atlantic – Austrian Charts". austriancharts.at/. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  38. ^ "ultratop.be - Twin Atlantic". Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
  39. ^ "Mexico Ingles Airplay". Billboard.biz.[permanent dead link‍]
  40. ^ Zywietz, Tobias. "Chart Log UK: 2012". Zobbel.de. Retrieved 9 May 2019.
  41. ^ Peak chart position on the UK Indie Singles Chart:
  42. ^ Peak chart position on the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart:
  43. ^ "Twin Atlantic Chart History". Billboard. 10 May 2019. Archived from the original on 26 March 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2019.
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