The X-Certs – ‘My Book Laughs’ (One) Released 30/04/07

Scotland has always been a breeding ground for little-known but brilliant bands. For years, bands such as Camera Obscura, The Beta Band and The Delgados have sat enviously on the sidelines whilst the likes of Travis and Wet, Wet, Wet soaked up all the mainstream attention (what a terrible, terrible pun). Thankfully, this trend has reversed slightly since we entered the 00’s, with Franz Ferdinand and The View proving that you can achieve chart success whilst still making vaguely exciting music. Looking to follow them into the spotlight are hard-edged, new-wave revivalists, The X-Certs. Their debut single 'My Book Laughs' is a three-and-a-half minute blast of punchy pop-punk, full of bouncy basslines and choppy guitars. It’s very reminiscent of The Futureheads recent work (a good thing indeed) combined with the heavier guitars of say, a Biffy Clyro. Not exactly original, but promising nonetheless.