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

Maybe, if you guys aren’t too busy, perhaps later, would you like to join us for a drink at the Verdugo? This was the offer made nightly by an unassuming studio engineer at the studio where Twin Atlantic recorded in Eagle Rock. The Verdugo is a neighborhood bar that the boys in Twin Atlantic never quite made it out to. I know right? Then why would drummer Craig Kneale get Verdugo? tattooed on his arm forever. Honestly, if you have to ask that, you simply don’t know Craig.

The quiet drummer has a quirky sense of humor to say the least. Craig’s first tattoo is a bar he’s never stepped foot in, and yet it speaks volumes about his experience in Los Angeles. The boys in Twin Atlantic hit The Tattoo Lounge to make some memories, and for Craig this kind request that went unanswered reminds him of the hours of work and dedication that faced the band while hard at work 5,000 miles from Glasgow, Scottland where they call home.

Let’s hear it straight from the man himself….

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

The truest way to set a memory is to mix it with a little of both pleasure and pain. Scottish rock band, Twin Atlantic, broke virgin skin in the service of remembering their time recording in Los Angeles. For singer Sam, and drummer Craig, it was their very first tattoo. Bass player Ross already has a few mementos of his own from previous encounters with inkslingers abroad. While Guitarist, Barry, just watched it all unfold.

You never forget your first tattoo. I got mine by a guy named Jimmy Roach on his kitchen table. I remember exactly how it felt, how I felt, who held my hand and how much it cost. It frames that day perfectly in my mind for always. Even though I now have countless tattoos, the first will always belong to Jimmy, and its now part of my DNA.

The location for this particular de-flowering was The Tattoo Lounge on Venice Blvd in Mar Vista CA. Owned by Swag and Patti, this shop has been voted one of the top 10 places to get tattooed in Los Angeles. Artist, John Saletra handled the first timers with skill and kindness. As the fear and anticipation filled the room we caught it all on tape.

Words by Barbie Brady, Photos by Sidney McMullen, Video shot by Moving Images