Twin Atlantic

While it seems that every other band in Scotland are aligning themselves with Mogwai and the Twilight Sad on some level, Twin Atlantic have apparently found themselves a different mentor. While it might be very easy to make the comparison to fellow Scots Biffy Clyro, it isn't completely unfair because there are definitely some similarities. They both like their guitars, although Twin Atlantic have a much better handle on turning things on and off when required. Vivarium brings together three of their early singles, plus five more songs to make something that falls just short of being an album. The brevity does work in the record's favour though due to the frenetic pace the songs hurtle by at. Their songs are trying to say something, be it political or cultural, and that is much more effective when it isn't hidden behind too much noise. It isn't without its issues though. Any album that throws in a six-minute epic amongst brief bursts of punky energy is going to lose some of its flow no matter how well it works. But the good outweighs the bad and they are definitely a band to watch based on the potential on display here.