One of ChinaShop’s favorite new bands is Twin Atlantic.  They play the rock-n-roll and all the little girls scream. Traveling all the way from Scotland to Los Angeles to record their first full length LP, they played an impromptu set at the world famous Viper Room. Since we first met up with Twin Atlantic in Austin, and since we have sentimental feelings for the Viper room it turned out to be a fortuitous happening.

First of all, The Viper Room has once again changed hands, now being owned and run by the folks who own Pink Taco. Long gone are the Johnny Depp days, and the Jewish Mafia poker nights. Still, the charm and intimacy of the space lingers on. River Pheonix’s ghost may haunt the sidewalk, but you can’t beat seeing a band you love, in a space that only holds a 250 people max.

When the lights come down and the curtains dramatically part, it feels special, like everyone inside is about to witness something magical, like the secret society of the boozy in crowd. But I’m all in!  Another round for my friends!

If I was 20 years younger I would say that lead singer Sam McTrusty was my new crush. Besides singing in that sexy Scottish accent, he’s adorable, and witty. The too cool Hollywood crowd was keeping their distance from the stage and McTrusty quipped, “when they told me I’d be playing this legendary venue, they didn’t tell me about the semi-circle of hatred”. See what I mean, you can’t not like the guy! The added bonus was they truly rocked! Must be the Scotch running through their veins! (see what i did there…scotch…scottish….ok, I’m done now)

Words by Barbie Brady, photos by Sidney McMullen

The Viper Room
8852 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 652-7869