The moment that a band consciously begins shooting for the stars has long been one to divide fanbases. Twin Atlantic, though, can quite simply view it as a problem for other people. The Glaswegian four-piece hit the ‘arena ready’ button with ‘Free’ three years ago and are now following up for the tap in.
But, and it’s a big one, ‘Great Divide’ can’t convert, even if it’s far from being an all-encompassing dud. It soars where it should, crunches where it should and tugs the heartstrings when it can, but compared to its predecessor it’s a little forced and lacks that album’s nagging insistence to be played again and again.
The quirks of ‘Vivarium’ had largely receded by the time its follow up hit shelves, but they’re gone altogether now. ‘Great Divide’ laughs in the face of subtlety, stacking its guitars atop great, sweaty hooks.
It’s the musical equivalent of a rom-com’s machinations - you’re aware that you’re being told to laugh or cry (or howl your lungs out in unison in this case), but ignoring the impulse is something else altogether.
Heart And Soul is a prime example. From its opening T-Rexisms through a verse back-breakingly laden with clichés, it’s all too easy to write off until Sam McTrusty lets loose a chorus that will forcibly change your mind about it. It’s the sort of song that works through sheer will alone and it will sound absolutely colossal live.
Fall Into The Party is another example of Twin Atlantic’s rock anthem prowess, while Cell Mate’s crushing opening is paired with a melody that would have exploded on ‘Free’, let alone in more modest company here.
Elsewhere, though, the balance isn’t maintained. The lyrics don’t get much better, but the melodies and chugging guitars also go missing. Hold On is proof, if it was needed, that the phrase should be retired, while Brothers and Sisters and Oceans dip into ballad territory with little real success. They are fine illustrations of what a big rock band is expected to do, but Twin Atlantic have done it better in the past, notably on Crash Land and Better Weather.
Given the sorry state of rock’s big names these days, Twin Atlantic would certainly do a fine job of carrying the banner in their place. But, ‘Great Divide’ is not the statement we might have hoped for.
Twin Atlantic Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu October 23 2014 - ABERDEEN Aberdeen Music Hall
Fri October 24 2014 - GLASGOW Barrowland
Sat October 25 2014 - GLASGOW Barrowland
Mon October 27 2014 - NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE O2 Academy Newcastle
Tue October 28 2014 - MANCHESTER Manchester Academy 1
Wed October 29 2014 - SHEFFIELD O2 Academy Sheffield
Thu October 30 2014 - LEEDS Leeds Metropolitan University SU
Sat November 01 2014 - BIRMINGHAM Institute
Sun November 02 2014 - CARDIFF Cardiff University Students Union
Mon November 03 2014 - LONDON Roundhouse
Tue November 04 2014 - SOUTHAMPTON O2 Guildhall Southampton
Thu November 06 2014 - CAMBRIDGE Junction Cambridge
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