The XCerts
Do You Feel Safe?
Tuesday 20th of May 2008
Hailing from Scotland and tailoring a sound that smacks of several other Scotch-rock fire-brands, The Xcerts are going to find it tough to dodge the rain of obvious comparisons.
If Idlewild and Biffy Clyro had written instruction manuals on how to build the perfect emo-rock sound with a twist, these young whippersnappers have adhered to each step accurately, piece by piece.
Impassioned, throaty singing over the heavy chorus? Check. Softly-softly whispered vocals over the delicate parts? Check. Big, anthemic melodies? Check. All the boxes are ticked.
However, they must be deemed a slither of credit. After all, they do rock out, and we all secretly admire a fresh band who wear their influences on their sleeve .
It must be noted that the finishing touches by Dave Enringa (producer of Manic Street Preachers and Idlewild), has given them a fattened but slick veneer. Underneath the waves of clichéd emotion, there is warmth and heart that pulses throughout both tracks.
'Do You Feel Safe?' is at once muscular and fragile, the dynamics well pitched. 'Listen, Don't Panic' tends to err on the side of predictable, but still has enough drive to keep it powerful.
The XCerts have all the right ingredients to make waves in the industry. The energy, the passion, and hands-in-the-air-sing-a-long choruses. All they need now is to put down the manuals and find their own unique slant.
Author: Jamie S
Label: Self-Released
Found in: Record Reviews
Official Rating
We rated this record 2.5 out of 5.