REVIEW: Twin Atlantic at the o2 Southampton Guildhall

IT was a triumphant return to their second home.

Almost two years to the day since their last appearance, Glaswegian rockers Twin Atlantic graced the O2 Southampton Guildhall stage for a storming headline show.

The historic venue was packed to the rafters with die-hard fans of all ages, clinging on to every anthemic chorus belted out by charismatic frontman Sam McTrusty.

Favourites Free and Make a Beast of Myself were full of powerful guitar riffs and breathtaking drum beats from Craig Kneale. Even the lesser known Cell Mate, Yes I Was Drunk, and Time to Stand Up were met with fans singing along to every lyric.

It was an extremely polished set, with roadies handing over an extensive collection of finely tuned guitars with Olympic relay race precision – a far cry from their early shows. The four-piece, who have played a host of festivals and supported Kings of Leon earlier this year, have fond memories of Southampton.

The Joiners, in St Mary Street, was the first venue they sold out as a headline act – despite hailing from a city some 400 miles away.

McTrusty made no secret of his fondness for this south coast city throughout, asking the crowd if they were present at their early shows.

The band ended the night with hit single Heart and Soul, a rip-roaring modern day rock anthem and generated the best reaction of the night.

“Thanks for giving us a chance again, Southampton”, McTrusty told the passionate audience.

After that performance, Southampton will be more than happy to again.

Rory McKeown