You can definitely say that Twin Atlantic have had a good 2009 so far. With slots at Sonisphere, Download, T In The Park, and their presence on both Smashing Pumpkins and Taking Back Sunday bills, they’ve steadily risen from relative Glasweigan unknowns to one of the UK’s most promising new acts. With ‘Vivarium’, Twin Atlantic are ready to show us what all the fuss is about.
From the poppiness of the reworked ‘Audience and Audio’ to the genteel mini-epic that is ‘Caribbean War Syndrome’, this is a varied and ambitious collection of songs. At times, it’s a straightforward, chorus-led affair, while at others it infuses a Biffy Clyro-esque quirkiness, but without the awkwardness Biffy can be prone to. I like it.
‘Vivarium’ does have a few flaws, however. At times it can feel a bit drawn out (see the introduction of ‘Better Weather’), and no, Sam McTrusty’s vocal stylings will not be everyone’s cup of tea. My main gripe with it is more of a selfish one though – I just wish this had four or five extra songs to make it a full album. However, overall it’s a solid display of what these boys can do, and proof that Twin Atlantic are wholly deserving of their current winning streak.
Andy R