The XX, 2.0
Sam posted a video for The XX’s, “Crystalised”, in passing a few weeks back. It didn’t really move me at the time, but I recently picked up a copy of their self-titled debut (alternatively called 2.0) on a whim last week. Among others, the London foursome list Mariah Carey, Rihanna, the Cure, and Chromatics as their influences so its hard to tell exactly where they are coming from. Their love for mainstream R&B seems to be most evident in the call & response vocals of lead singers Romy Croft and Oliver Sim, who share the sort of disaffected chemistry of a brooding teenage couple. Their minimal sound and gauzy vocals evoke the feelings of quiet resignation and exhaustion that often accompany an emotional standoff with a significant other; probably why it is most appealing to listen to late at night before falling asleep.
mp3:The XX - Crystalised
mp3:The XX - Infinity
Pick up the LP from Rough Trade in the UK or Young Turks XL in the US on October 20th.
