The xx are almost as much as an aesthetic as they are a music group. Featuring guitars drenched in reverby delay, light electronic drum machines, subtle ambient synths, and thick bass lines that pulsate underneath it all, their minimalism is just as important as their message. Frankly it’s safe to say it’s more so.
Softly draped over these quant sonic soundscapes are the dual lead vocals of Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim. Croft and Sim approach each song with a whisper that brings an intimacy to the entire affair. Their choice to alternate songs (and often alternate within individual verses) creates a fresh perspective in each section of the record. Without this dual vocal approach I don’t think it works half as well.
This is mood music to the finest degree.
Standout Songs: “Intro”, “Islands”, “Stars”
