Ross McNae has tattoos. The bass player for Twin Atlantic has at least 4 that I can see on his stark white arms. He paces back and forth at the Tattoo Lounge in Mar Vista California while awaiting his turn in the chair. He’s the third member of the band to get tattooed today. Guitar player Barry has opted out.

But Craig has had some bad experiences being tattooed, including both throwing up and passing out. In his defense he admits to being completely intoxicated and dehydrated for both, neither of which would he or I recommend.

Today he’s the 3rd member of the band to get a reminder of their time in Los Angeles, and this whole crazy trip called rock n roll. Ross is getting an abstract origami looking design on the inside of his upper arm. Clearly its personal, and its kind of sweet how these guys aren’t trying to be anything other than who they are. Their sincerity and humility strike me as what’s lacking in a whole lot of LA. Especially this industry.

Over the past 2 months that Twin Atlantic has been in town recording I’ve had the opportunity to really get to know these guys, and I have to wish them the best of luck. They are hitting the european festival circuit this summer and plan to return to LA this coming October.

Until then…Let’s check in with Ross while he gets inked up American style…

Words by Barbie Brady, photos by Sidney McMullen, video by Moving Images

Sam McTrusty looks nauseous. He’s about to commit an act that is essentially irreversible and permanent. The lead singer for rock band Twin Atlantic has burned a lot of brain cells contemplating this tattoo and the final verdict…a triangle. That’s right, one solitary triangle on the wrist. Its entirely loaded with meaning, and yet a basic shape that every child 2 and up can identify.

And that’s the beauty and the art of the tattoo. At its best it should mean the most to the one who wears it. Its so personal as a form of expression that it should be thought through and slept on for many many moons. Sam wanted to remember this place and time, and the triangle is a powerful symbol throughout history. It stands for the symbol for god, or the trinity, for power, danger, math, astrology and so much more. Those three little lines are loaded.

Let’s see what Sam has to say about it….

Words by Barbie Brady, photos by Sidney McMullen, Video by Moving Images

From left to right: Kevin Starr, Jake "The Preacher" Cavaliere, John "Big Drag" Saletra, Johnny "Stiggs" Devilla, not pictured Shawn "Sonic" Medina

Named for the infamous speedway immortalized in the Rolling Stones concert film, Gimme Shelter, the Lords of Altamont evoke the feeling of psychedelic influenced, 60’s, biker culture. Their collective black hair, skinny jeans, fitted tees and obligatory tattoos unify them as an old school punk rock band. Personally, I appreciate the effort. Their attitudes and attire are more reminiscent of the Steve McQueens of the motorcycle movie world, than say, the Peter Fondas.

4 out of 5 members of the band are at Studio 9 in Hollywood tonight laying down tracks for their new EP. Jake “The Preacher” Cavaliere admits that he’s the wrangler of the band. “I always try to keep it interesting. It’s not like we’re kids. We just want to be able to sustain a lifestyle that allows us to keep making music and possibly pay our bills.”

The rumble of vintage amplifiers, effects, heavy beats in 4/4 time permeate their latest effort. The mood is fearless. When you love music like these guys, and live in that intensity its all about the sound. The lyrics? Not so much.

The most ingratiating thing about the Lords of Altamont is that in this all-access, downloadable, genre within a genre world, they continue to just make honest rock n’ roll. Get a little of it in you Friday, March 27th, at Vertigos, 801 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA.

Words & photos by Barbie Brady

The Lords of Altamont – Split

http://www.myspace.com/lordsofaltamont