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.
Related posts:
- CD Review: VV Brown – Traveling Like The Light [2009, Island] Toronto – What the hell happened to the Pipettes?...
- CD Review: EELS – Hombre Lobo [Vagrant Records, 2009] EELS is an American rock band formed by Mark...
- Review: Au Revoir Simone – Still Night, Still Life [2009, Our Secret Record Company] Toronto – Fresh off the heels of being the...
- Concert Review: the xx, Friendly Fires, Phoenix, December 2 While we were at The XX / Friendly Fires...
- CD Review – Green Go – Borders [2009. Pheromone Recordings] Toronto – Green Go is a band from Guelph,...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
Horaayy..there are 8 comment(s) for me so far ;)
I really like their non-electro focussed stuff. Heaviest elements I hear:
-The Cranes
-Chris Isaak (Heart Shaped World era)
But mostly, the Cranes. I forgot how good the Forever and Loved albums were. XX has reminded me!
good album, but for live shows probably really BORING.
Old News
I can predict what Ricky’s retort to that will be.
Heh I guess it’s only old news because he’s praising it highly. Otherwise I’m going to be later then Ricky with my review.
It’s good but I’m not crazy about it on the first few listens.
haha. time is irrelevant.
http://www.mediafire.com/file/ygizx00zjik/The XX – Infinity (GaVris XXmas Wicked Game Remix).mp3
figured id remix these guy’s check it out.
[...] EP serves as a nice companion piece to the XX’s debut in that these are two recordings where sexified bass and drums are at the forefront. I always [...]