Twin Atlantic set a new record for Inverness’ Ironworks Venue at their show on the 12th August.
It was their 6th time playing the venue, meaning that they have now played there more than any other band or artist (excluding local acts of course). And it was a record that the crowd were more than happy to set with them.
Interestingly enough, the drummer from Sucioperro filled in for Twin drummer Craig Kneale on their last visit to the Highlands. Something about this band just oozes cool. Although not as high in the electro elements, I can’t help thinking that fans of bands such as Prides and Chvrches would really enjoy their fresh and upbeat sound. Hopefully we’ll see a little more of Medals.
With their set at the GoNorth Seedling Stage still fresh in the memory of many of the crowd members, Model Aeroplanes wasted no time in getting their Highland audience back into the party mood. Model Aeroplanes hail ‘from a lovely tropical paradise called Dundee’ – their words, not mine but this is third Highland appearance in a short space of time.
Their set from start to finish was pure, joyous indiepop. Unfortunately they were also experiencing many technical difficulties but the crowd stayed on board. The boys expressed their gratitude to Twin Atlantic for providing them with this opportunity and also saying that Twin’s album Vivarium was, at age 14, the reason that they wanted to start a band.
The band shared with us a song that they wrote on the Saturday of Belladrum Festival and then performed it later that day..and it’s brilliant! The song titled ‘Rollercoaster’ really encapsulates the Belladrum festival feel. If you somehow haven’t caught Model Aeroplanes yet, you’re not quite out of chances yet! They will be supporting the lovely Fatherson at the Ironworks on Saturday 18th October.
With a ceremonious raising of the Great Divide flags, Twin Atlantic took to the stage. With the new album Great Divide being released on the 18th August, the band wasted no time in reminding us all why we think we should buy it.
They opened with I am an Animal, a track from the new album and the crowd was immediately hooked, as ever when Twin take to the stage. Although this small tour is primarily to advertise the release of the new album, the set list didn’t focus too heavily on new material and the crowd were happy to hear old favourites as well as new.
It always surprises me just how taken aback the band are at the response from the Inverness crowd. After such a steady following, you would think the alt-rock stars would be used to the adoration however you can see that front man Sam McTrusty is notably overwhelmed, occasionally turning to other band members somewhat in disbelief.
It even makes the band MORE likable that after such success in recent year they are still so humbled and grateful to their Highland following. Although steadily remaining in the Alt-Rock genre until now, there is a distinct pop feel to a lot of the tracks on Great Divide. Although somewhat dividing long term fans, I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a bad thing, rather just a new direction for the band and possibly what is going to catapult them into stardom.
After a powerful 13 song set, Twin Atlantic returned to the stage for a four song encore including the fantastic single ‘Heart and Soul’ bearing a huge ‘Six’ sparkly balloon to celebrate their newly set Ironworks record. and Thankfully, they promised us they’d be back for a seventh time. I can’t wait to see the celebratory ‘Seven’ balloon.
See more photographs of the evening.
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