Twin Atlantic’s legacy in modern rock is undeniable, and it’s easy to see why when the Electric Brixton is so easily filled with a sea of black-clad fans, each person a testament to the band’s enduring grip on their audience. Hailing from Glasgow, the quartet has never lost its rough, raw edge, even as they’ve honed their craft. The venue itself, with its perfect blend of intimacy and grandeur, provides the ideal setting for Twin Atlantic—an arena where their commanding presence and powerful sound fill every corner, whilst still allowing moments of tender vulnerability to resonate throughout the room.
DAYTIME TV opens the night, and it’s clear they’ve found their stride supporting a band of Twin Atlantic’s stature. Their punchy riffs and infectious momentum create an immediate connection with the crowd. Tracks like ‘Block Out The Noise’ and ‘Lost In Tokyo’ grab attention with catchy choruses and a solid energy that keeps the room moving. DAYTIME TV don’t just play their set; they command the stage with confidence, seamlessly fitting into the atmosphere and setting the perfect tone for what’s to come.
When Twin Atlantic take the stage, they don’t waste any time asserting their dominance. The opening track, ‘Meltdown,’ surprises with its subtle energy, easing into the room with a quiet optimism that slowly begins to build. The song’s reflective, almost fragile quality stands in contrast to the intensity that will come later, but it draws the crowd in, creating an almost palpable sense of shared introspection. The first notes of ‘Yes, I Was Drunk’ follow, and the mood deepens. Frontman Sam McTrusty, a man of few words, speaks volumes with his presence alone—his connection to the crowd obvious, as he acknowledges the years of loyal support from fans who’ve stood by the band since the beginning.
From the first beat, the tightness of the group is clear. Ross McNae’s basslines anchor the sound, whilst Craig Kneale’s drumming provides a steady, powerful backbone. Twin Atlantic may be a rock band at their core, but it’s their precision and clarity that set them apart from others in the genre. Each song is executed with an elegance and intensity that feels uniquely their own, a strength drawn not just from their technical prowess, but from their shared understanding as musicians.
The setlist takes the crowd on a journey, navigating through highs and lows, each song contributing to an emotional arc that pulls the audience closer. As ‘Free’ floods the room, warm golden lights bathe the crowd, heightening the song’s message of liberation and possibility. The atmosphere is light, but there’s also an undercurrent of power, the crowd singing in unison with the kind of tangible feeling that only a live show can evoke. When ‘Hold On’ hits next, the mood shifts. The lighting turns cooler—blues and purples swirl with smoke, matching the urgency of the lyrics. The intensity builds, and the crowd responds, bodies swaying together, carried by the song’s unrelenting force.
‘Brothers and Sisters’ pushes the crowd into a frenzy, McTrusty’s voice blending effortlessly with the chorus of voices in the audience. There’s no barrier between band and fans here—it’s a shared moment of connection. The room transforms into one pulsating unit, as the crowd sings in unison, caught up in the power of the music. The camaraderie is electric, a living, breathing thing that keeps the night moving forward with an undeniable sense of unity. The night reaches its peak with ‘Heart and Soul’ and ‘Crash Land,’ and by the time the final notes fade, the air is thick with a sense of satisfaction. The applause is deafening, a collective recognition of the emotional journey the band has taken them on.
Twin Atlantic’s performance at Electric Brixton isn’t just about skill—it’s about creating a moment of togetherness, a shared experience between artist and audience. Every note, every lyric, every beat builds a bridge between them, making the show more than just a concert. It’s a reminder that music, when done right, can break down barriers and connect us all. The night lingers long after the lights come up, not just because of the music, but because of the profound sense of kinship that Twin Atlantic fosters. It’s that authenticity, that ability to connect, which makes them one of the most compelling acts in modern rock.
JESSICA MCCARRICK