THE XX - XX
Music
Music
From the moment I first heard this band on Later‚ with Jools Holland they stuck in my mind as something special. It's the kind of feeling you get when you're sifting through the crates in a record shop and out of nowhere you discover an absolute gem. They had my attention from day one. From their image, to their name, to their album cover, to their sound. It all works together so harmoniously to create a presence that is both considered and distinct.
To read off a list of influences seems lost on this band who's sound and style is completely their own. It's astonishing that a band can create a debut record this honed and complete. The instruments each have their own personality yet come together in a delicate unity. It's this subtlety that puts The xx in a league of their own. If there's a pause
To read off a list of influences seems lost on this band who's sound and style is completely their own. It's astonishing that a band can create a debut record this honed and complete. The instruments each have their own personality yet come together in a delicate unity. It's this subtlety that puts The xx in a league of their own. If there's a pause
needed, it's there. If a beat is just two buttons on a sampler, so be it. The album never shouts but carefully envelopes the listener.
Much of this bands appeal comes from the vocal relationship between members Sim and Croft. Their alternating male and female lines resonate much of the albums subject matter and gives a sense of storytelling to their lyrics. The debut single 'Crystalised' epitomizes their sound and sets the tone of
the record, but it's the song 'Basic Space' which really lets their understatement shine through. The minimalist sound of the verse (vocals and sampler) only helps accentuate the honesty in the lyrics while Jamie's simple beats lift the song straight into a pop-esque chorus (it also has one of the most alluring outros). And then there's 'Islands'. Sometimes words cannot describe the feeling you get
Much of this bands appeal comes from the vocal relationship between members Sim and Croft. Their alternating male and female lines resonate much of the albums subject matter and gives a sense of storytelling to their lyrics. The debut single 'Crystalised' epitomizes their sound and sets the tone of
the record, but it's the song 'Basic Space' which really lets their understatement shine through. The minimalist sound of the verse (vocals and sampler) only helps accentuate the honesty in the lyrics while Jamie's simple beats lift the song straight into a pop-esque chorus (it also has one of the most alluring outros). And then there's 'Islands'. Sometimes words cannot describe the feeling you get
when listening to a song like this for the first time. Beautifully bittersweet? Maybe. The track starts with a murmur then instantly grabs you with it's memorable opening riff.
This album personifies youth. love, exploration and intimacy are all touched upon. What's most exciting about this band is that they don't sound like any other yet still manage to write pop-tinged songs awash with emotion and substance. 'xx' was one of my pleasures of last year. A year on with a critically acclaimed album, inclusion in many a 'best of' list and a Mercury Prize win to their name, some might say that 2009 was 'their' year. Now all there's left to do is ponder and eagerly speculate their sophomore return.
This album personifies youth. love, exploration and intimacy are all touched upon. What's most exciting about this band is that they don't sound like any other yet still manage to write pop-tinged songs awash with emotion and substance. 'xx' was one of my pleasures of last year. A year on with a critically acclaimed album, inclusion in many a 'best of' list and a Mercury Prize win to their name, some might say that 2009 was 'their' year. Now all there's left to do is ponder and eagerly speculate their sophomore return.