Album review: Twin Atlantic – Meltdown

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.

Stuck In A Car With You is a strong early example of this re-acquaintance with their formative style and mojo, with revving guitars and metronomic snare inspiring blissful results. Sorry has a similar effect, albeit via a softer treatment; its lyrics, meanwhile, could be read as being about both the trials and tribulations of love and a reflection on the mixed fortunes that come with a career in music (‘Losing’s for winners / Hurt is for the thick-skin ones / Looking up is better from the top, looking straight back down’).

That’s not to say that Twin Atlantic have blunted their bite this time around. World Class Entertainment is a riveting dose of swagger and self-awareness, while Get Out’s muscularity flexes its way into the subconscious. This is the band’s most mature effort to date, because they’ve employed a great deal of perspective to deliver a record that encompasses the finest attributes from their discography to date. A melting pot, one might say.

Verdict: 4/5

For fans of: Biffy Clyro, You Me At Six, Don Broco

Meltdown is released on August 9 via Staple Diet