Aberdeen-formed, Brighton-based trio The XCERTS have made a thunderous return to the alternative scene, unveiling their first original music since 2023. The new single, "do it to myself," marks a significant milestone for the band as their debut release under new label home, FLG Records.
A Return to Raw Urgency
After a period exploring more polished, pop-leaning textures, "do it to myself" signals a decisive pivot back to the grunge-laden, high-energy alt-rock that first defined the band. The track echoes the urgent guitar tones of their fan-favorite 2014 record There Is Only You, blending melodic heft with a newfound sense of grit.
Vocalist and guitarist Murray Macleod describes the track as a moment of raw self-reckoning:
"There’s a desperate urgency about this song. It’s an admission of my fragility and tendency to self-sabotage... we wanted it to feel uncomfortable, honest, and human."
Unbroken Bonds
Formed in 2001, the line-up of Macleod, bassist Jordan Smith, and drummer Tom Heron remains famously unbroken. This rare 25-year creative bond is palpable on the new single, which was written with all three members in the same room—a collaborative process they moved away from on their 2023 album Learning How to Live and Let Go. The result is a recording that crackles with shared energy and immediate catharsis.
A Vital Presence in 2026
The XCERTS remain central figures in the UK alternative landscape. Beyond the band's own output, Macleod has recently been seen guesting on As It Is’ single “Ruin My Life” and performing as a live guitarist for Scottish indie legends Idlewild.
As the band prepares for a busy 2026, "do it to myself" serves as a bold opening statement. It is a track that looks resolutely forward while honoring the emotional intensity that has made them one of the UK’s most resilient musical exports.
Fans can expect further music and potentially UK tour announcements to follow as the year progresses.
