Toronto – Welcome to the new hype. The XX are possibly the hottest thing at the moment, thanks to a bevvy of favorable reviews from outlets such as Pitchfork, NME and Drown in Sound. Just look at the Metacritic score.. a sure rarity for a UK band for sure. Who are they? Well, the xx are 4 20 (!) year olds from London who have obviously absorbed all the good music they have listened to growing up and then somehow used some hokey pokey magic to create songs compromise this gorgeous album.
It’s only fitting that this album is getting popular just as fall is settling in, whereas previous hot albums have glorified summer and fun, the XX are more interested in spaces of darkness and heartbreak. Think dark nights, concrete jungles and the mundane aspects of everyday life, that is what the XX are trying to recreate it seems. This album is fantastic. Each song follows a simple, minimalistic composition that just does enough to create whatever feeling the song is going for. Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft trade guy – girl vocals, each trying to sound more distant then the other. Some guitar riffs will remind you of Jesus and Mary Chain and some sound elements may remind you of Junior Boys first album, but as a whole, the XX have created a unique and atmospheric album. I have a hard time pinpointing what songs are standouts because they all blend in together so well. My best guess for now will be “Infinity”, “Crystalised” and “Islands”
Definitely check this album out.
Pingback: Best of 2009 According to A. Lau | The Panic Manual