SCOTTISH rockers Twin Atlantic have announced a tour at some of their biggest venues, including Manchester Academy on October 28.

The Glasgow quartet are poised for a breakthrough with the release of their much anticipated third album, Great Divide, on Monday.

They have also had a string of acclaimed festival sets at Glastonbury, Radio 1 Big Weekend and T in The Park.

But Lee Harman had the chance to see Twin Atlantic at a secret show at Band on the Wall in Manchester to warm up for Reading and Leeds Festival.

He gives his verdict on the intimate showwith a crowd of just 200.

“I told myself I’d leave my coat on for five songs, but you guys are making it far too hot in here. It only turned out to be three songs before Twin Atlantic’s frontman Sam McTrusty was forced to address a tightly packed crowd at Band On The Wall in Manchester, a venue a 10th of the size they would usually sell out with ease.

“Tonight is a secret gig for competition winners and, while it acts as the ideal warm up for Reading and Leeds, it also gives just 200 people an early chance to hear songs from the band’s forthcoming album, Great Divide, released on Monday.

“Before then, it is up to Pulled Apart By Horses to energise the crowd and it takes a mere second before the first circle pit opens, filling the floor with bodies.

“They, too, are playing this bank holiday weekend and leave a huge impression on the crowd with an energetic set with a liberal amount of riffs.

“Tonight, however, is all about Twin Atlantic and what they don’t have in riffs of the support band, the Scottish quartet have in choruses, which soar over their contemporaries.

“As expected, the hour-long setlist features many songs from the forthcoming album, which get a great reaction, especially the latest single Brothers & Sisters, which is sure to become a crowd favourite.

“One of the highlights was Crash Land, a cello-led track, where it became a struggle to hear Sam over the crowd singing back every word.

“The band promised big anthemic songs on Great Divide and they don’t disappoint, and as Heart & Soul closes the night, thoughts turn to just a couple weeks from nowwhen they walk out on stage at Reading and Leeds.

“Their future is destined for the largest of stages.”

LEE HARMAN Å Twin Atlantic play at Manchester Academy on October 28. Tickets are £15.

Visit gigsandtours.com/tour/ twin-atlantic/