xx

The XX are a cool new band out of London that have really been grabbing my attention lately. These youngsters have definitely internalized the lessons of pop R'n'B from the past two decades, but also things much more atmospheric and cerebral. This makes for a listening experience that's equal parts sexy and spooky, which is weird at first. Then it's really, really cool.

The XX's biggest achievement is their use of negative space - the starkness of the black and white art should clue you in on that. The first part of "Basic Space," a standout from the record, relies on nothing more than a clicking drumbeat and barely-sung vocals. When the chorus hits - adding little more than a snare and a few keyboard notes - you'd think someone just let Timbaland in the door.

This kind of tension and release is the dominant theme of the record, from the minimal addition and subtraction of the instruments to the shared male/female vocal dutites - a male and a female who definitely have something to say to each other.

The XX's new (and debut) record, xx, is availalbe now on Young Turks.

The XX - Basic Space
The XX - Shelter