Headline: The Xcerts
Support: Jocasta Sleeps, Healthy Minds Collapse
Venue: King Tut’s, Glasgow
Date: 8th March 2009
Stepping into King Tut’s on a rainy night in March, having just walked around for 30 minutes looking for a cash machine (only to find out that I’m skint again), I’m not particularly looking forward to a gig where I can barely afford a drink.
You might argue that such a sour mood isn’t too conducive to an enjoyable gig experience. Well, you‘re nearly right.
Supporting The Xcerts for the launch of their new single “Crisis In The Slow Lane”, three-piece Jocasta Sleeps draw a large crowd for some melodic Biffy Clyro-esque rock. Understandably its hard for this kind of band to escape comparisons to that other Scottish trio, but what they lack in musical complexity they make up for in terms of melody. Catchy songs with danceable drumbeats; you can’t say fairer than that for a support band.
When Healthy Minds Collapse take to the stage, you can’t help but wonder if the support acts have been billed backwards. Not only are they dull in comparison to their fellow supports but their songs often sound like weak Nirvana and Foo Fighters clones. Most songs conform to the old grungy quiet/loud format, the riffs regularly sound like they’ve been lifted from a college band’s first setlist and the melodies aren’t much to shout about. By the time they’ve left the stage (early, I hasten to add) the cloud above my head has grown. I haven’t clapped for a song in about an hour. Then something special happens.
As soon as Xcerts take the stage, the mood changes; not just mine, but the vibe of the whole venue. Xcerts play a short but perfect set; there’s a warmth in the air, a really friendly atmosphere. It feels like three young guys playing some of their songs to their best friends; they just happen to have 300 or so such friends. The highlight of the set is the sublime “Aberdeen 1987″, showcasing a beautiful, soft, yet powerful delivery from lead singer Murray. On the quieter verses, you can hear a pin drop, before the frontman leads the crowd into a singalong chorus which can’t help but make you feel that every participant is a part of some big musical family. Everyone here tonight is here for the same reason; to celebrate another step forward for their favourite band. I was in a sour mood when I stepped into King Tuts, and Xcerts were the remedy. They really are something special.
The Xcerts new single “Crisis In The Slow Lane” is out now on Xtra Mile/King Tuts Recordings.
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Campbell Miller is a student at the University of Glasgow, a folk singer-songwriter, and deputy editor of Stereokill. 
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I knew they would be your Cure
hehe
but your right that Aberdeen 1987 was just fantastic and the review is a perfect description of the gig
hugs love and kisses
Louise
xxxXXXxxx