Twin Atlantic today announce details of their brand new album Transparency – out January 7th – marking the start of a new chapter in the Scots’ prolific career, which also sees the departure of drummer Craig Kneale.
The announcement follows their recent charismatic, swaggering new track ‘Bang On The Gong’ – which embraced a fun and exciting direction for Twin Atlantic. Today sees the sequel in brand new single ‘One Man Party’. Medicine, mimosas, panic attacks – a split personality having a party, set to frantic beats and sleazy synths. Watch the brilliant one-take sequel video, directed by Nick Afchain, HERE.
‘Transparency’ is Sam McTrusty spilling his guts on everything from marriage, male friendship and the absurdity of social media to parenthood, medication and his mum. Written in strained circumstances and recorded remotely with Sam’s mate and mentor Jacknife Lee, the album arrived more by accident than design when the world went into lockdown last spring. ‘Young’ is a finger-pointing, post-Brexit rant at people who vote without considering the consequences. ‘Dirty’ is a piss-take of Sam himself, the singer in a band sipping Champagne who would have appalled his younger self. The Talking Heads-y ‘Dance Like Your Mother’ is about being in a rock band who want their fans to dance, and ‘Instigator’ deals with the pressure he feels as a frontman.
Sam says; “After the challenges put in front of everyone in 2020 and 21 I did what I’ve always done in moments of turmoil, stress or anxiety and started to write songs. It slowly evolved into an album and something we feel puts a new stamp on our band which really excites us.”
The band recently delivered a triumphant UK tour, welcoming hungry fans back with a rapturous sold out headline show at London’s Electric Ballroom. The band today announce a fresh run of May 2022 shows, including London’s Roundhouse, and Glasgow iconic Barrowland, to celebrate 10 years of their career-changing Free album.
Sam comments; “We’ve very rarely ever been a band who look back, but during the lockdown, ‘Free’ turned 10 years old. It hit another landmark of selling 100,000 copies in the UK. To celebrate that, we wanted to do something in return and finally play an album from start to end live. Can’t wait to see you all there!”
The new record also sees the departure of drummer Craig Kneale, who says; “It is with a heavy heart and so many great memories that I’ve decided to step back from Twin Atlantic. I love this band and still believe that big things lie ahead – but this feels like the right time for me to jump off and try something new. To have been able to travel the world and play music with my best friends for 15 years has been the greatest privilege. To everyone that’s supported the band over the years – you are the fuel that makes this all mean something. Thank you. What a joy it’s been to be in a band with Sam, Ross & Barry. It still feels like a dream. Craig x”
For an album made quietly in lockdown, Transparency is begging to be played loud and live. Bold, adventurous, and a load of fun. This is just the start of a new era for Twin Atlantic.
September 2021
Sat 11th Glasgow, TRNSMT Festival
May 2022 (Free 10 Year Anniversary Tour)
Thu 5th – Ireland, Dublin, Opium
Fri 6th – Belfast, The Limelight
Sun 8th – London, Roundhouse
Mon 9th – Newcastle, Boiler Shop
Wed 11th – Inverness, Ironworks
Thu 12th – Glasgow, Barrowland
Sun 15th – Leeds, Stylus
Tue 17th- Manchester, O2 Ritz
Wed 18th – Bristol, O2 Academy
Thu 19th – Birmingham, o2 Institute
(Tickets on general sale from September 10th)
Transparency Tracklisting:
1. Keep Your Head Up
2. One Man Party
3. Get Famous
4. Young
5. Haunt
6. Dance Like Your Mother
7. Dirty
8. Bang On The Gong
9. It’s Getting Dark
10. Instigator