I came across this group while listening to a podcast from NPR.  All I had to do was hear the song ‘VCR’ to know that I should check this group out.  The xx is a pop trio from England that produces some wonderful music.

There are bits of techno, showgazer, and a little R&B all in a nice pop package.  Once again, this is an album that has been out since last summer, and this past week I heard one of their songs on the radio.  I’m fascinated how innocent bands like this create music that should be on air, but all we seem to get are the wash-ups that try too hard to make a record.

One of the best parts of this band is the vocals.  Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim trade off during each song, and you can imagine a couple singing to each other as they go about their daily business.  None of the vocals are overbearing, rather soft and heartfelt to draw you in and relax.  Actually, everything on this album is relaxing: the guitar work is easy to access, the keyboards and beats provide great backing rhythm.  Each note is played with ease and grace to make great songs and to remind you that you don’t always need a wall of noise to make an album.

If I were you I would find ‘VCR’, ‘Heart Skipped a Beat’, ‘Shelter’, and ‘Basic Space’ to get an idea of who these guys are.  They are not going to blow your socks off in a sonic way, but they will take you off guard with how up front and intimate they sound.  I’m glad I came across this, and you will be, too.

Tweet This Post