The XX – XX

Recently out of school, London’s the xx are the latest indie pop superstars in the UK, pulling dream pop elegance to meet R & B beats halfway, with the result being a totally unique record. With an understated maturity and a comprehensive knowledge of what justworks, the xx have released one of the most exquisite (and minimalist) debut albums in recent years.

The infusion of minimalism and beauty with that touch of indie elitism in their music is perfectly captured by their cover art, which features a simplistic white X on a stark black background. Forget the notion that layered grandiosity or musical virtuosity marks a great record. The xx are here to show you that all it takes is a tremendous balance, a peculiar sort of nonchalance, doctored beats and vocal yin yang. There’s a simplicity that seems unintentional, almost serendipitous, because of how easily the xx turn what could be bland and boring into eleven unique songs. There is not a note, not a beat which is out of place or dispensable on these songs. The xx are masters of musical brevity in a way that no one else in the recent past has been.

Here is a remix of Florence + The Machines track that you will recognize

Florence + the Machine – You’ve Got the Love Found at abmp3 search engine

Have a look at their most played track on last.fm here

review from Split Magazine