The XCERTS have returned with their sixth studio album, i think i want to go home now., marking a powerful and deeply personal chapter for the Aberdeen-formed, Brighton-based trio. Released via FLG Records, the eleven-track record represents a striking return to the raw, urgent energy of their early career, moving away from the polished, pop-leaning textures of 2023’s Learning How to Live and Let Go.
Recorded by Larry Hibbitt at Beehive Studios, the new album is the result of vocalist Murray Macleod, bassist Jordan Smith, and drummer Tom Heron writing together in a single room—a collaborative process they had not utilized since their earliest records. This creative reunion comes after two years of intense personal turbulence, including the passing of Smith's mother and a cancer diagnosis for Macleod's father.
These heavy experiences draw natural parallels to the band’s 2009 debut, which was similarly shaped by grief and hardship. However, i think i want to go home now. channels these trials into a defining musical statement. The tracks navigate a wide emotional spectrum, from the frenetic self-examination of "do it to myself" and the heavy fuzz of "pretty ugly" to the tough love of "bury you" and the touching closer, "in your eyes." Album highlight "sinking feeling" further anchors the collection, showcasing the trio's signature melodic clarity.
Formed 23 years ago, the band's unchanged lineup remains a rare and vital constant in the UK alternative scene. Macleod notes that the writing process was a celebration of their enduring friendship and a deep dive into the very essence of their sound.
To celebrate the launch, the band is embarking on a series of intimate in-store performances across the UK, followed by a festival appearance at 2000 Trees. Later this autumn, the trio will hit the road for a comprehensive UK tour supporting Twin Atlantic, bringing their intense new material to live audiences throughout October.
