Photo Credit: Georgia (Involving Music)
Kicking off Team IM’s coverage of June Boom with an iconic band at an iconic grassroots venue.
Scottish alt-rock legends Twin Atlantic have been active since 2007. I remember listening to them while studying, nearly a decade ago, so when the opportunity to relive those years came up on June 5th at Exeter Phoenix, I jumped at the chance.
With seven albums under their belt and nearly two decades of live performances, including Reading main stage in 2019 and Slam Dunk Festival this year, they know how to put on a show.
The venue, Exeter Phoenix’s auditorium, was packed out and full of energy. Exeter city centre’s largest music venue prides itself on championing indie artists and also bringing big-name acts to the city and keeping Exeter on the music circuit map.
KODI - indie floor-fillers & all the energy
Photo Credit: Georgia (Involving Music)
First to take the stage, KODI, a three-piece indie-rock band from St Albans. Arguably one of the best pairings of support act to main act I’ve seen at a show.
Strong vocals, catchy heavy riffs and a great stage presence, KODI had the packed-out venue engaged and dancing. You could feel the inspiration from bands including The Xcerts, Kings of Leon, Lonely The Brave, and the headliners of the night, Twin Atlantic, in their songs.
Playing a solid selection of songs, including their most recent release ‘Figure It Out’, KODI were having just as much fun on stage as the crowd were having. Hats off to the drummer, who at one point was standing up while playing as the energy built!
As self-professed fans of Twin Atlantic themselves, they spoke about the importance of supporting new and upcoming bands. This was only their “15th to 20th live show” ever played and they were incredibly grateful to Twin Atlantic for bringing them out to play these shows.
As am I – I’ve found a new band to add to my roster!
Twin Atlantic - Glasgow’s answer to anthemic & emotive rock
Photo Credit: Georgia (Involving Music)
Twin Atlantic has been through a lot to get to this night. Their first experience of Exeter was less than memorable, with their van breaking down and only two people showing up to their performance at The Cavern.
But tonight, that all changed. Playing a sold-out show at Exeter Phoenix, It really didn’t take long for the crowd to make up for Exeter’s past self, with jumping, dancing and singing filling the auditorium at the first song. Fans in merch lined the stage barrier, and the already busy room felt a lot busier with energy.
No matter how long they’ve been doing this, Twin Atlantic still manages to put on a great show. Their high-energy melodies and impactful soulful lyrics still resonate, and the added nostalgia of it all made for an incredibly fun night.
Playing a mix of new and old songs, there was something for everyone. ‘No Sleep’, ‘Make A Beast of Myself’ and ‘Free’ had the whole crowd singing back to the band.
The heartfelt, acoustic moment of ‘Crash Land’ left only Sam McTrusty on stage with an acoustic guitar to connect with the crowd on an open, personal level.
Their new release ‘Salvation’ felt like the band was teasing a new era for them, which the crowd lapped up.
They ended the night on a high with the all-time classic ‘Heart and Soul’, which, even after 11 years, still gets an incredible reception. Nobody wanted the show to end, but is there a better way to say goodbye to Twin Atlantic than by singing in a bad Scottish accent at the top of your lungs?
