2024/03/23 – Twin Atlantic – The Sugarmill, Stoke
Review & Photos: G. Rossington.
On a very wet March evening, the Sugarmill in Stoke was buzzing with excitement as Scottish rock band Twin Atlantic took to the stage. The intimate venue was the perfect setting for an electrifying night of music. Fans had queued for most of the afternoon hoping to get the front spot and as soon as the doors opened, they packed the venue, eagerly anticipating a performance that promised high energy and raw emotion.
Opening the show tonight was Manchester based indie band Bayboards, who delivered a solid set of catchy, melodic rock tunes. Their performance was tight and engaging, warming up the crowd with tracks like ‘Deep Blue Sea’, ‘Time To Get Away’, ‘Poison Ivy’ and set opener ‘Ghosts’. With a high-energy set that saw frontman Ben constantly scissor-kicking his way through the set and interacting with the front rows. After seeing how ramped up the audience were in the room, the anticipation for Twin Atlantic was certainly high.
As the lights dimmed and the intro music played, the crowd erupted in anticipation. Twin Atlantic kicked off their set with ‘Woke Up This Morning’ which immediately showcased their knack for combining anthemic rock with introspective lyrics. Frontman Sam McTrusty’s commanding presence and powerful vocals were evident from the start, engaging the audience with every word.
The setlist was a well-curated mix of old favorites and tracks from their latest album. Songs like ‘Asleep’, ‘Edit Me’ and ‘Brothers and Sisters’ had the crowd singing along, creating an almost communal atmosphere. The band’s performance of ‘Barcelona’, a standout from their ‘Power’ album, was a highlight of the night, with its soaring chorus and emotional depth resonating deeply with the audience.
Twin Atlantic’s musicianship was on full display throughout the night. McTrusty’s vocals were complemented perfectly by Barry McKenna’s intricate guitar work and Ross McNae’s solid bass lines. Current touring drummer Joe Lazarus’ precise and powerful drumming provided the perfect backbone to the band’s sound. The chemistry between all four band members was pure magic which contributed to a cohesive and energetic performance.
McTrusty frequently interacted with the audience, sharing anecdotes and expressing his gratitude for their support. This connection added a personal touch to the performance, making the fans feel like they were part of something special.
Tonight, there was no brief departure from the stage, the band instead staying on stage and running through to more songs that brought the night to a rousing close. They performed ‘Crash Land’, a fan favorite that showcased McTrusty’s emotional vocal delivery and McKenna’s hauntingly beautiful guitar playing. ‘Free’ was an explosive addition to the concert, with the audience’s voices nearly drowning out the band as they sang along to every word. ‘No Sleep’ caused a mosh pit down the front only to be followed by final track ‘Heart and Soul’ which leads to a euphoric crescendo to the night.
Twin Atlantic was certainly a night to remember. A performance that was energetic, emotional, and thoroughly engaging. For both long-time fans and those new to their music, it was a night that showcased the band’s immense talent and their ability to create a memorable live experience. A fantastic concert that reaffirmed Twin Atlantic’s place as one of the leading bands in the rock scene today.
