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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Last 5 NME-E reviews:
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Myspace Magic: Strawhouses

Another one of those prolific weeks so you are in for a treat on NME-E. Following the Loveday Fools feature, Myspace Magic was feeling a little homesick and so decided to head back to Liverpool. The latest addition is Strawhouses, a band I first heard a couple of months back and who instantly caught my eye. I've waited this long for the feature to give them a well-earned plug; they'll be launching their brand new single on Saturday night at the O2 Academy in town. Paul was more than willing to tell us about the band, so have a read, check out their sounds on myspace and, if you're in the area, get down and watch their live set next weekend.

NME-E: Who are you and how did you come about?
SH: We are Strawhouses...I started things many years ago now in my school days...several abortive attempts, some bizzarre plot twists, and much sub-bridge level water gone, the current line up formed in 2007 - Chris (Smith, guitar) I had met at uni, Stuart (Mann, drums) had followed me from Fallout (the band previous to Strawhouses) and Brad (Michael Bradshaw, bass) is Stuart's friend from home. I am Paul (Donnelly) and I sing and write the songs...

NME: Do you have any releases to date?
SH: So far we have only released one EP, 'Runaway Child'. Although we'd had demos etc previously, this was our first proper body of work that we recorded properly and released. We have big (enough) plans for releases in the next few months, in particular our debut single, 'A Good Night Out' in April, which will be followed by another single in May, most probably a song called 'Train Wreck'.

A live version of 'Train Wreck' is available to on the Strawhouses' myspace, along with four other tracks. If you like a bit of music to think about and have a soft spot for tracks which grow on you with every listen, you are in for a treat. Careful arrangements, poignant lyrics and haunting melodies galore is the order of the day for Strawhouses.

NME-E: If you could choose a band to support you, who would it be?
SH: ahaaa...um...if we're talking absolutely anyone, probably either The Smiths, Radiohead or Talking Heads - I mean, this would never happen, but I think if we did do a gig where one of those bands supported us, we might get some good exposure (!). The band I realistically can't wait to support us are The Daisy Riots, who will hopefully be supporting us at the O2 Academy in Liverpool for our single launch on April 11. They're bloody great and are headed for big things.

Listening to their tunes, you understand the choices. Daisy Riots, one to watch - best get them on here before it's too late!

NME-E: What was your favourite album of 2008?
SH: I really liked 'Third' by Portishead, 'Do You Like Rock Music' by British Sea Power, 'Amidst Bright Shadows' by Ray Dunne and 'Everything That Happens Will Happen Today' by Brian Eno and David Byrne. Though, I think as a band, we'd probably have to say Elbow's 'The Seldom Seen Kid'.

NME-E: Finally, tell us about your objectives/prospects for 2009?
SH: Well, as I mentioned- the indie releases we're planning. We'd quite like to record our first album, get on a few festivals and work with more industry people- eventually signing some sort of record deal. None of these things are impossible but we're going to have to work very hard. We've put in a lot of the ground work but we know we've got a tough make-or-break year ahead- I'm optimistic we can make good on our objectives and will hopefully be able to look back on the year and definitively say we've progressed exactly how I wanted us to.

With a sound like they have, I'm sure they have every right to feel optimistic. NME-E certainly wishes them all the best.


Having waited for a good two months for this to appear, the least you can do is check out their Myspace. Thanks to Paul and the group for their time and patience.

Last 5 NME-E Interviews:
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Meeting Of Important People (Pittsburgh, USA)
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Fare Evaders (Liverpool, UK)

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