Fresh off the back of releasing their superb third full-length, ‘There Is Only You’ and supporting Twin Atlantic all over the UK and Europe, The Xcerts are finally on their UK headline tour. Although the tour was delayed due to the aforementioned TA dates, there is still a sense of anticipation for tonight’s intimate show in Nottingham.
View full sethere. Photos by Carrie-Anne Pollard.
After beginning later than scheduled, Crosa Rosa kick off their night to a small, subdued crowd as they bash their way through their grunge-infused noise rock. With hints of psychedelica, songs like ‘Jigsaw’ are scrappy yet have an applaudable bounce. However the bands awkward stage presence is somewhat uncomfortable amongst the small gathering, yet it’s something to be expected with a young, opening band. (2/5)
View full set here. Photos by Carrie-Anne Pollard.
Local up and comers Kagoule clearly have some friends and family here tonight as the trio pull in a decent crowd. Opening with a laid back song, they soon hit their stride with strong numbers such as ‘Adjust The Way’ and ‘Mike’
showcasing the bands versatility with a tight display. With elements of post-punk, and jagged indie rock, Kagoule leave a reasonably strong impression that gives them the label of “ones to watch” in the coming months. (3/5)
View full set here.Photos by Carrie-Anne Pollard
Over the years tonights headliners, The Xcerts, have already been tapping on that glass ceiling yet have never produced the breakthrough fans and critics think they deserve. However that should all change on tonights showing as the Exeter based trio deliver a strong set that highlights the standout tracks from their latest effort along with some old favourites.
Opening with a hat-trick of new numbers; ‘Live Like This’, ‘I Don’t Care’ and ‘Kids On Drugs’, frontman Murray Macleod quickly establishes a confident display. Whilst older songs such as ‘Do You Feel Safe?’ and ‘I See Things Differently’ get a positive airing.
Although they suffer a slight technical hiccup for ‘Pop Song’, Macleod and company are charming and grateful for the crowds patience who are rewarded with passionate take of ‘Aberdeen 1987’ and respond by joining in with its closing chorus line of “I’m your new best friend, Yeah I’m your new haircut.”
View full set here.Photos by Carrie-Anne Pollard
Whilst the trio are pushed for time, they still end the night on a high by serving us with a double dose of pop-infused indie rock as ‘There Is Only You’ lead single ‘Shaking in the Water’ and fan favourite ‘Slackerpop’ round things off. Like a majority of the small crowd, we’re left singing the latter’s hook of “I’ll be your man, I’ll be your mannequin” with a pleasing feel inside, and leaving us wanting more.
Nevertheless on tonights showing The Xcerts prove they can be entertaining and have an array of strong songs that justify all the praise critics have given them over the years. They are a band that certainly worthy of the attention and then some. (4/5)
3.5/5
Words by Sean Reid (@SeanReid86). Photos by Carrie-Anne Pollard.