As Sam McTrusty gears up to fulfill a long-held career goal, he exudes a relaxed and cheerful demeanor. The Twin Atlantic frontman is en route to soundcheck at Glasgow’s Garage, chatting with Stereoboard while making his way from home to the venue’s back door via a quick taxi ride. Tonight’s performance will mark the final major venue in their hometown that the band has yet to play. “I’m thrilled because now I can truly say that we’ve played every venue in Glasgow,” he says with a smile.
Having relocated to Toronto earlier this year, McTrusty is enjoying a summer return to the UK, which has allowed him to celebrate his daughter’s birthday and embark on a series of intimate Scottish gigs, from Dunfermline to Stirling. This homecoming, in more ways than one, builds excitement for the release of their eighth studio album, Meltdown, on August 9.
Twin Atlantic initially burst onto the scene with high-energy records like Free (2011) and Great Divide (2015). In recent years, they have explored electronica and pop with albums like Power (2020) and Transparency (2022). However, Meltdown represents a return to their roots, featuring 11 tracks that deliver a pure rock ‘n’ roll experience.
The new album leans towards pop-punk, reminiscent of Blink-182 and Waterparks with tracks like “Stuck In A Car With You” and “Fall,” while “World Class Entertainment” is crafted for stadiums. But why return to this style now?
“There are countless reasons,” McTrusty explains. “Over the last seven albums, we’ve learned how to craft a rock song better. I’m obviously biased, but I believe we’ve improved at it.”
Indeed, this album stands out as their most consistent in years, driven by a clear mission: “Let’s just do what we know we’re good at,” McTrusty says. This focus became their “obsession” over the past two years. With a major UK tour planned for November, McTrusty shares insights into Twin Atlantic’s live shows, the inspirations behind Meltdown, and the enduring relevance of a bold, loud rock record in 2024.
