TWIN ATLANTIC @ BRIXTON // REVIEW

Just over a week ago, on the 7th May, I went to see Twin Atlantic at the O2 Academy in Brixton. Arriving at the venue a little bit early, as we had nothing else to do, me and my mate spent a nice sunny day sitting on the floor outside the venue. I feel like here is an appropriate place to quickly drop a line about how well looked after we were throughout the whole duration of our time at the O2 Brixton. I've been to a lot of venues, I've been treated pleasantly and I've been treated disgustingly, but the guys here were some of the nicest I've encountered. Not only did the security guy outside make sure that everyone knew where they were going/queuing, but he also kept us entertained with riddles and encouraged everyone to chat to each other. This treatment wasn't limited to the outside of the venue. The security down at the front made sure they were always looking for sufferers who needed water, meaning that you weren't left desperately trying to grab a cup once every 6 songs. I'd never been to the O2 Brixton, but the combination of the beautiful building and the beautiful staff will mean that this will have definitely not been my only visit.

The support acts were The Lonely Brave and Eliza and the Bear. Both did a great job of warming up the crowd, not that much warming up was needed. Eliza and the Bear in particular made a lasting impression, I don't think I'm alone in saying that having seen them supporting Twin I'll be picking up a ticket to their headline tour in October. They all seemed so happy to be on stage, taking in every moment and working really well as a musical team. I didn't think I knew any of their songs, but it turns out they are behind that catchy tune 'Friends' on the bulmers advert.

As is standard, the lights changed and Bohemian Rhapsody came on over the speakers, sparking a mass karaoke and signalling the imminent arrival of the band. They exploded onto the stage going straight into "Make a Beast of Myself". It was so good to see a band I feel so deserving of great things owning the stage. Having missed the past few tours through clashing dates, this is the first time I've seen twin since about 3 years ago, where I saw them play the O2 Academy Birmingham. I've seen them play Reading for the past two years but it's just not the same. This band have come along so far in the past few years, gaining fans, expanding their audience, smashing out records oozing their distinct emotion filled sound. The songs that we know and love for being able to belt out. Which brings me to the next best thing about this gig. The crowd were absolutely brilliant. Everytime I've been to see this band I've been amazed by the atmosphere, so I can only imagine what it feels like to be Sam, Barry, Ross and Craig on stage. There's no greater feeling than being surrounded by the sound of hundreds of others in the same moment as you, singing their heart out. The air is full of energy, I've never left a twin gig not feeling like I've just done the most hardcore work out of my life. Both band and audience feed off each other, you could see and hear the pure joy and love that Twin had for the show they were playing. They never leave you feeling like you're not appreciated. Giving back to us with a setlist that just saw no breaks, giving it their all from start to finish, new songs, old songs, pumped songs, slower songs, giant balloons. Their live performances have always been good musically, I'm yet to see a bad song live. This time it was mixed up a bit more, upped the production and stage game, with an electric cello solo and the fun placing of some toms down the front of the stage, adding to the drive of the performance.

This band seems to be only heading up. Their songs are developing, and their newest album certainly didn't disappoint. Filling the Hydro in Glasgow at the end of their tour, it's clear that they're gaining the following that they deserve. I've never been let down by a show of theirs. Honestly, I wouldn't even think twice about buying a ticket to see them. If you're looking for an energy filled gig, full of raw emotion, loud singing in an awful attempt at a Scottish accent and a sweaty night, you should probably head in the direction of a Twin Atlantic gig.

Here are some of my photos, they're okay, to be fair to me it's pretty challenging taking a good photograph with a non stop wave of bouncing sweeping the audience.