Twin Atlantic

When: 23rd May 2024
Location: O2 Academy

Twin Atlantic are the Scottish band known for their riff-heavy guitar rock and poetic songwriting. Coming to Glasgow’s O2 Academy on 23rd May 2024.

Twin Atlantic originated in the mosh pits of Glasgow’s eclectic live music venues like King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut and Nice N Sleazy. It was while going to gigs that guitarists Sam McTrusty and Barry McKenna first met, and the pair later befriended bassist Ross McNae and drummer Craig Neale. Formed in 2007, that melting pot of a music scene would hugely influence Twin Atlantic’s sound.

With the release of their first single Audience & Audio at the end of the year, trailed by their debut EP A Guidance From Colour in early 2008, the four-piece quickly grew a loyal following. These songs also helped land them support spots with bands like Biffy Clyro and Smashing Pumpkins, plus they appeared at several Scottish festivals that summer including T In The Park.

Twin Atlantic’s debut album Vivarium arrived in 2009 and was well-received, but it was their 2011 follow-up Free that broke into the top 40 on the UK albums chart and made the Scottish Album of the Year shortlist.

For several years the band continued to tour while constantly honing their live act. In 2014, Twin Atlantic topped the Scottish albums chart and peaked at No.17 on the UK albums chart with Great Divide. It showcased their unique combination of melodic and poetic songwriting with a maturity extending far beyond their young years through songs like Heart And Soul and Brothers And Sisters.

Touring in 2015

After spending much of 2015 touring, the purveyors of soaring guitar music got to work on their 2016 album, GLA produced by Jacknife Lee (U2, The Killers, Snow Patrol). Dedicated to their hometown’s airport as the gateway to all the interesting places they’ve travelled, it examined the city of Glasgow not just as their birthplace, but also as a multi-cultural and politically active city .

Their fifth album Power arrived in early 2020 on the heels of the single Novocaine and charted at No.11. Around this time, lead guitarist McKenna stepped back from being a permanent member and now just tours with the band.

In 2021, Twin Atlantic announced their sixth album Transparency would be out on 7 January 2022. Written in strained circumstances when the world was in lockdown, it was also recorded remotely with Lee back at the helm as producer. To support Transparency and celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut album Free,  Twin Atlantic confirmed UK tour dates for May 2022.