What makes In the Cold Wind We Smile by The Xcerts notable?

The album received positive critical acclaim upon release, especially for its intimate songwriting and energetic compositions. It helped position The Xcerts as key players within the UK alternative rock movement of the late 2000s, earning them a dedicated following and notable festival appearances. In the Cold Wind We Smile is The Xcerts' debut album, released in early 2009. At this point, the band was emerging from the UK alternative rock scene, having built momentum with their EPs and live performances. This album marked a significant step in establishing their identity as a band ready to make an impact on the music landscape.

How many songs are on In the Cold Wind We Smile?

In the Cold Wind We Smile has 12 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

In the Cold Wind We Smile

The Xcerts · 2009

42 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A vivid tapestry of melodic riffs intertwines with introspective lyrics, reflecting the emotional turbulence of youth.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Home Versus Home — This track showcases the band's ability to blend catchy hooks with poignant lyrics about belonging and identity, encapsulating the album's themes of introspection.
→
Nightschool — With its infectious energy and driving rhythm, this song exemplifies The Xcerts' knack for creating anthemic choruses that resonate deeply with listeners.
→
Crisis in the Slow Lane — The song's reflective nature and lyrical depth highlight the band's strength in exploring personal struggles against a backdrop of soaring melodies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic compositions with introspective lyrics, capturing the essence of youth in alternative rock.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and energetic drumming, establishing a high tempo that characterizes the album's opening.
Several songs incorporate dynamic shifts, moving from quiet verses to explosive choruses, creating a sense of emotional tension.
The lyrics often reflect personal experiences and introspection, with recurring themes of youth and uncertainty woven throughout the tracks.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 In the Cold Wind We Smile 0:58
2 Home Versus Home 4:08
3 Nightschool 2:51
4 Cool Ethan 5:16
5 Lost but Not Alone 3:31
6 Listen Don't Panic 2:49
7 Crisis in the Slow Lane 4:21
8 Do You Feel Safe? 3:30
9 Just Go Home 3:28
10 Aberdeen 1987 4:51
11 I See Things Differently 4:21
12 [untitled] 2:01

What to play next

Listen next

Scatterbrain

2010

Full The Xcerts discography Artists like The Xcerts

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata