Twin Atlantic at The Garage in Glasgow
Date: 24th July 2024
Location: The Garage, Glasgow
Twin Atlantic's return to The Garage in Glasgow was nothing short of electrifying. The anticipation in the air was palpable as fans eagerly awaited the homecoming of their beloved rock band. Known for their high-energy performances and strong connection with the Glasgow crowd, Twin Atlantic certainly did not disappoint. The audience’s anticipation was further heightened by the fantastic opening act, Ben Walker, who set the stage for an evening of exceptional music.
Ben Walker, a rising star in the indie rock scene, kicked off the evening with a captivating performance. Despite usually performing with a backing band, Walker's stage presence was nothing short of impressive; he seamlessly linked with the audience, making everyone feel as if they were a part of something unique. Walker's stage presence was both calm and captivating, warming the crowd with his kind demeanour. His set included a mix of original songs and well-chosen covers, demonstrating his versatility as an artist.
One particularly standout performance was his rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s iconic tune “Dancing in the Dark”, which had the awe-struck audience wholeheartedly singing along. Walker's original songs, such as “Lost” and “Sixteen” were also well-received, due to their emotional lyrics and appealing melodies resonating strongly with the audience.
Upon their entrance onto the stage, it became immediately evident that this local performance was going to be extraordinary. Sam McTrusty, Twin Atlantic’s lead vocalist, captivated the audience with his natural charm, vibrant presence and spirited performance. His adeptness in effortlessly transitioning between impactful rock songs, and more personal ballads, demonstrated his musical flexibility and held the audience's attention throughout the entire evening.
The concert's visual presentation was also striking, enhancing the overall experience without detracting from the music. The lighting design was amazing, featuring a blend of vibrant colours and precisely-timed strobe effects that perfectly complemented the intensity of each song. Characterised by minimalism, the stage design proved to be highly effective in facilitating the band's freedom of movement and interaction with both each other, and the audience. The utilisation of smoke machines and judicious spotlighting enhanced the atmosphere, fostering a heightened sense of immersion that enraptured the audience and drew them further into the performance.
The set list was a well-curated blend of Twin Atlantic's extensive musical repertoire, including songs from both their early and recent releases. They started the night with “World Class Entertainment”, a performance filled with contagious energy and a catchy chorus to sing along to. Fan favourites “Get Out” and “Brothers and Sisters” had the audience singing at the top of their lungs, whilst newer tracks like “Novocaine” and “Barcelona” were welcomed with equal enthusiasm, showcasing the band's ability to grow while remaining faithful to their humble beginnings.
Each band member brought their A-game musically; Barry McKenna's guitar solos were both technically amazing and emotionally intense, whilst Ross McNae's bass lines provided a solid base to keep the intensity up. Joe Lazurus’ drumming was a driving force throughout the set, striking the ideal blend of precision and strength. Each interaction between the musicians reflected the band's chemistry, giving the concert a unified and organic feel.
As the night came to a close, the excitement for the encore was tangible. The band returned to the stage to deafening acclaim as they began performing their most popular tune “Heart and Soul”. The song's addictive beat and anthemic chorus had everyone in the crowd on their feet, singing along with glee.
The night culminated flawlessly with a magnificent confetti eruption during the final chorus of the electrifying encore “Heart and Soul”. Multicoloured confetti fell on the jubilant audience, producing a visual spectacle which perfectly complemented the song's euphoric spirit. The confetti, along with the brilliant lighting and the collective excitement of the audience, created a genuinely unique moment.
Overall, the ambiance at The Garage was explosive from beginning to end. The venue's compact environment generated a stronger bond between the band and the audience, resulting in a feeling of camaraderie and shared experience. McTrusty's regular engagement with the audience, which involved sincere words and light-hearted banter, created a sense of inclusion and involvement for everyone, making them feel like they were an integral part of the performance. The audience exhibited great enthusiasm, vociferously chanting the band's name and enthusiastically singing along to every word. The atmosphere was filled with a significant feeling of pride and affection for the hometown, further enhancing the enchantment of the evening.
One of the most memorable moments of the night was undeniably Twin Atlantic’s passionate performance of “Heart and Soul”. The entire venue erupted, with the crowd's exhilarated singing almost drowning out the band at times! Another highlight was the band’s acoustic rendition of “Crash Land”, which saw McTrusty performing solo with an acoustic guitar, creating an intimate and emotional moment which contrasted beautifully with the more high-energy numbers.
Twin Atlantic's concert at The Garage in Glasgow was a triumphant celebration of their journey as a band and their powerful connection with their fans. Their stage presence, combined with stunning visuals and a killer setlist, created an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance. The energy and enthusiasm of both the band, and the crowd, made for a night that will be remembered for years to come. If there was ever any doubt about Twin Atlantic's place in the heart of Glasgow's music scene, this sensational performance certainly put it to rest.
Ben Walker
Twin Atlantic
Full photo gallery not available for this review, due to contributor unfortunately losing SD card.
Written & Photographed by Kyan Gilfillan - (Portfolio)
