After a short run of shows across Scotland, Twin Atlantic were bringing their mini-tour to an end in Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom. With new single, Don’t Quit It, released last month, you could see a build in momentum with this being the first album that all four original members have recorded together since three albums ago.
Joining them on the tour were The Xcerts, who had a historical friendship with the band going back as far as 2008. World Cup fever was in the air, and the Beach Ballroom was decorated from top to bottom in Scotland flags. What better way to further increase your patriotism than see two of the best rock bands this country has to offer.
Despite this being a headliner for Twin Atlantic, The Xcerts were the hometown heroes of the night. They played a set full of songs from upcoming album ‘i think i want to go home now’ along with a few old favourites. Released tracks have given indication that this is a return to a grittier and grungier sound heard around early parts of their career with particular parallels with 2014 album ’There Is Only You’.
The Xcerts are truly at their best when they’re pouring their hearts out through all the hurt and anger, resulting in cathartic singalong tracks that can get you through even the worst of times. New album ‘i think i want to go home now’ is released on July 10th and you can catch them at in-store performances and signings at Assai Records in Glasgow, Edinburgh and of course Aberdeen.
Twin Atlantic arrived onto the stage: lit to emulate the Scottish saltire flag of course this was going to lean into the Scottish celebrations that were to take place in the coming days and weeks. Their set was well mixed with both old and new material, meaning there was something for everyone.
They opened with Don’t Quit It which along with unreleased track In Your Eyes showed promise for upcoming new material. As a huge fan of their earlier material, I was bowled over with the exquisite run of songs from ‘Free’ and ‘Vivarium’. Caribbean War Syndrome was particularly poignant in the build up to Scotland’s World Cup campaign. The spring floors of the Beach Ballroom provided an extra bounce to the already jumping audience – although maybe less bouncier than earlier days – we are all much older and less nimble than 15 years ago.
Tracks from mainstream breakthrough album, ‘Great Divide’ were crowd favourites as well as The Chaser, No Sleep and Barcelona which maintained a high energy. The band were tight musically (minus a small guitar faux pas from lead singer Sam McTrusty), however, this was one of the best performances I’ve heard from him vocally. With all those years of experience behind them, Twin Atlantic have never sounded better.
With a lack of encore, the show did feel like it ended quite abruptly but overall, it was an exceptional evening of Scottish Rock full of power, emotion and fun.
Relive the night with the playlist below!