Free Red Bull Records***

A vocalist called Sam McTrusty, who sings as if he's a Proclaimer fronting The Pixies? Hoots, mon, indeed. Twin Atlantic, formed in 2007, quickly went from supporting the likes of Blink-182, My Chemical Romance and The Gaslight Anthem to headlining their own gigs. When they hooked up with Pixies and Foo Fighters producer Gil Norton last year in Santa Monica, the feeling was that their battened-down choruses, copper-fastened melodies and wall of guitars might just earn them kudos as much as clout. Too true – Free, the band's debut proper following their 2009 mini-album Vivarium, is a remarkably assured metal/pop record that mixes muscle with subtlety. Crackers such as Time for You to Stand Upand Yes, I Was Drunkgallop ahead, while the band's deft quiet/loud dynamic can he heard on the superb instrumental Serious Underground Dance Vibes.

See twinatlantic.com

Download tracks: Serious Underground Dance Vibes, Time for You to Stand Up