Twin Atlantic : Vivarium
Released: 14th September 2009
Label: Red Bull Records
I'll get it out of the way now, Twin Atlantic sound a bit like Biffy Clyro. As true as it may be, no doubt the Glasgow quartet will have had their fill of hearing it very soon. Yet although there are indeed glaring similarities, Twin Atlantic are by no means a like for like rip off. Full of subtle touches and slamming melodies, debut mini album Vivarium provides a little bit of evidence that the band possess more than enough creativity to stand on their own feet.
Kicking off with recent single “Lightspeed”, the boys from Glasgow lay down a marker of what they are all about. Filled with glowing guitar melodies and staccato drumming the track becomes the perfect blend between aggressive and subdued mentality. The guitars intertwine in an identifiable Biffy homage, yet with a tone that maintains individuality. Combine all this with vocals dripping a strong Scottish accent from every word, and you have an impressively bold start to a solid album.
Twin Atlantic do solid instrumentation very well, revelling in punchy rhythms that billow into beautifully flowing choruses. “What Is Light? Where Is Laughter?” contains both chaotic and calm qualities, with the opening riff crashing with authority whilst a wonderfully delicate guitar riff trickles down a scale in the background. The chorus erupts in typically emotive fashion, delivering a wall of sound with pleasant intricacies to capture the imagination. “Old Grey Face” offers a stunning accompaniment, combining crisp riffs with a chorus of epic proportions. Yet an almost metal breakdown adds a surprising twist, excellently executed and showing yet another facet to the talents of these young men.
Although it is easy to identify what Twin Atlantic do best, they also have other strings to their well implemented bows. For mood and tension “Caribbean War Syndrome” is a stunning effort, demonstrating restraint as well as some thoughtful instrumentation to boot. Relying more on the subtle tone rather than velocity of the guitars, the melody gradually unwinds to a whispered performance from vocalist McTrusty until a chorus that truly impresses. With a dreamlike tone, each element is unleashed together in a stunning, euphoric effect. For a band that are good at what they do, it is simply a stunning track showing versatility and courage, and easily becomes a stand out on the album.
From initially appearing to be a band that does a few things well, Twin Atlantic transform Vivarium to become a varied, in depth display of passion and technical ability. Whilst it is all too easy to draw comparisons to other established acts, look beyond that and you will find a band bursting with talent and ambition. From start to finish, the album is a showcase of the depth in musical knowledge and skill in implementing it that these young men have at their disposal.
Words: Dan Grose
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