Seattle Subsonic

The xx’s xx is xcellent

November 24th, 2009

If you’re “on the internet”, you’ve likely heard many folks singing their praises for this budding band out of London, the xx. “Subtle and sexy” you’ve maybe heard, or “naked soul” perhaps. As with most British bands these days—thanks to the UK press corps’ astounding affinity for slamming superficially fleeting bands down our throats based on a single hook—I glared from afar with a skeptical eye. But when I gave it a chance (or succumbed to the curiosity), I, too, found myself drawn to its stark and sparse infinite night time rock ‘n soul.

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The band was started by lifelong pals Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft all the way back in 2005 and, given ample time and space by their label (Young Turks), developed a sound and concocted their first album, xx. This name they’ve chosen is not a reference to some idealistic statement against band names, an underground art movement, or even algebra variables. Instead it refers to the Roman numeral for 20, the age each band member reached before their record was finally released. Yes, they are young. But the music has an air of sophistication and restraint not often seen in a music landscape saturated with audacious and extroverted rock star wannabes. They’re friends with and toured with Micachu & the Shapes (“Basic Space” even sounds a bit like a sedate Micachu song), if that provides any context to you.

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In sound, the music is defined by Sim and Croft trading flirty, pillow-soft vocals (I prefer her endearing Londoner lisp to his sleepy schoolboy singing) over his plucky, unfettered bass lines and her lonesome, crystal-clear guitar melodies. The same kind of hi-pitched somber melodies made popular during the early 80s post-punk scene. The usual accoutrements of romantic synths and background drums round out the rest of the ear candy. The first half of the album is quite revealing, with “VCR”, “Crystalised” (watch a great live video of this song on KEXP’s blog) and “Heart Skipped A Beat” impeccably introducing the xx’s minimalist MO. But it’s the final three tracks— “Infinity”, “Night Time” and “Stars”—that really click, creating a pitch black, wide open lover’s lane that slowly seeps into the deep, never to return again.

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The band, who has admitted to a less than stellar stage presence, play Neumos this Friday, November 27th, with middling disco-rock outfit Friendly Fires. It’s sold out, so if you don’t have tickets, you might get to the Sonic Boom in Ballard well before 3pm to catch their scheduled in-store. Below are some of my favorite songs. Immerse yourself in the vast spellbinding space dreamt up by the xx.

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Heart Skipped A Beat

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Night Time

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Infinity

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Stars

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