Twin Atlantic frontman Sam McTrusty recently revealed that early in the band’s career, he’d been advised to replace the Scottish accent so apparent in his vocals in favour of an American twang, to maximise their appeal. Listening to Meltdown’s lovely closing track Snow In Texas, it’s advice he thankfully paid no attention to whatsoever.
The Glaswegians have always marched to the beat of their own drum, making changes when they want to rather than because they’re expected of them. In the build up to the release of Meltdown, Sam suggested that the building of not one, but two studios had brought about a working environment in which there were “zero outside influences”. It’s a development that’s brought about a surprising change of direction - back to the band’s roots.
This is encouraging news, as the restlessness of their last few albums and desire to avoid being too pally with radio-friendliness had led to experimentation and the occasional folly, as well as success. Meltdown, then, is a reminder of what made listeners fall in love with them in the first place - namely big, anthemic songs with undeniable choruses, fuelled by Sam’s radiant charisma - while clearing some of the weirder sonic accouterments from their path. Whatever the reasons for the change, the results are excellent.
