THE XCERTS – DO YOU FEEL SAFE/LISTEN. DON’T PANIC

(AU magazine April 2008)

SINGLE REVIEW

(MANNEQUIN REPUBLIC)

A recommendation from Radio 1 annoyance Zane Lowe is about as close as any band can get to the kiss of death, but The Xcerts might just have what it takes to rise above the Kiwi Typhoid Mary. Not only that, but the boys are lucky enough to represent the label owned by Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly’s Sam Duckworth, and there’s a lot to be said for this double A-side of rock ['Do You Feel Safe?'] and tingly young love ['Listen. Don’t Panic']. ‘Do You Feel Safe?’ kicks in like something off the local gig circuit, all Pixies-inspired quiet bit/loud bit, replete with Scottish accents, and endearing for it. ‘Listen. Don’t Panic’ is more delicate, making the difference so stark as to feel like The Xcerts’ CV in two parts. Wonder what else they can do…