Twin Atlantic’s latest release Free (Red Bull Records) is a refreshing squeeze of fresh lime into the cup of flat stale seltzer that alt-rock can typically be.

From their start as a popular local then national now overseas crossover band, the young energetic Glaswegian Scottish melodic rock quartet has performed with the Smashing Pumpkins, My Chemical Romance, and others. Fronted by lead vocalist Sam McTrusty, his powerful rock voice and distinctive, charming brogue add unexpected dash to his phrasing and delivery. Twin Atlantic’s songs merge high-octane guitar and rhythm percussion with equally powerful lyrics, passion and vocal prowess. They’re well-written hard, polished and engagingly different with touches of punk Celtic influences.

The ballad “Crash Land” displays Sam McTrusty’s vocal versatility at its best: he’s soulful, supple, with a hint of sobbing edge. The melancholy eloquence of the lyrics, “Because I’m stuck here on this island/And I’ve lost her all over again/And nothing gets better than memories/When all you have are memories for friends” endows the song with a lonely-night quality. “Human After All” is another standout, a fast-paced, blisteringly sexy track.

Unfortunately, at times throughout the 13-track CD the guitar riffs seem to be competing with McTrusty’s voice for auditory dominance. I find it detracts from the otherwise excellent cohesiveness and accomplished musicianship of the band’s playing. That said, the melodies of “Make A Beast Of Myself” and the title track “Free” grip you and the lyrics further this – hearing them both made me feel like I was sitting in a dark pub crowded around a small table, listening to darkly intimate confessions from the band members themselves. Spooky and captivating.

4 / 5 bars
Edit Me by TwinAtlantic