Album Review: The xx

The xx: 'xx' (XL)

1. Intro
2. VCR
3. Crystalised
4. Islands
5. Heart Skipped A Beat
6. Fantasy
7. Shelter
8. Basic Space
9. Infinity
10. Night Time
11. Stars


Summer is a funny time of year. Now, that might be a funny thing to say towards the end of November for someone living in the Northern hemisphere, but it's something that has been on NME-E's mind since it first laid hands on a copy of The xx's debut album, the cunningly titled 'xx' just a month ago - how on earth did I let this slip through the net in July when it was first released in UK?

Be that as it may, it's often the case that "all good things come to those who wait" and this is certainly true with 'xx'. This south-west London quartet's (currently a trio due to Baria Qureshi's departure as a result of the strain of an extensive tour) debut is, in its own minimalistic way, a minor work of art.

From the moment 'Intro' springs to life, The xx's sound, quite frankly, captivates the listener. The more you hear, the deeper you are drawn into their lair and once you're in there, forget about escaping.

It's hard to pinpoint what makes this album so good and perhaps that's why it is so remarkable. Is it the combination of Croft and Sim's vocals? Is it the haunting guitar struts? Is it the fact it sounds like Portishead, yet the band site Rihanna as one of their influences? Who cares?!

For once, the hype is justified. 'Crystalised' caused a stir, but tracks like 'VCR', 'Islands' or 'Heart Skipped A Beat' ensure that 'xx' is among the top albums 2009 has offered.

NME-E Rating: 9/10
Top Track: 'Islands'
 


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