Band

The Xx

Mapped through Trip hop, Primavera Sound influences; 3 albums in the Staimusic archive; upcoming live dates.

The Xx
Biography

The Xx: history and sound

The xx are an English indie pop band formed in 2005 in Wandsworth, London. The group released their debut album, xx, in August 2009. Everyone knows about The Xx and their outstanding music. Their catalogue of original songs has captured the attention of listeners across many different genres. From the upbeat sonic waves detectable in Dangerous” to the deeper vibes found in Performance”, The Xx manage to produce musical moments with stellar quality. These masterminds definitely know how to hook their audience with striking melodies, it's no wonder they climb charts at a formidable pace! The drum lines throughout every song truly encapsulate what we all love most about each track as they collaborate beautiful beats befitting any music lover's paradise. Grab your head phones, good vibes and take a deep dive down into the hollow sonic waves only found within the sensational sounds of The Xx
The Xx: A Musical Journey Through Their Best Songs and Critic
Every once in a while, a band comes along that can perfectly capture the emotions of a generation. In the early 2000s, The Xx did just that. Formed in London in 2005, the indie pop band consists of Romy Madley Croft (lead vocals and lead guitar), Oliver Sim (vocals and bass guitar), Baria Qureshi (keyboard and guitar) until she left the band in 2009, and Jamie Smith (drums and beats). With their signature ambient sound and introspective lyrics, The Xx has taken the world by storm. In this article, we will delve headfirst into the musical biography of this iconic band, talk about some of their best songs, their music genre, famous concerts, and lastly, present a critic based on their unique style.
Throughout their career, The Xx has captured the hearts of many with their distinct musical style. The band's sound is built around minimalistic, brooding instrumentals and evocative, introspective lyrics. With such a unique sound, it's easy to see why fans are drawn to them. The band's first album, xx, released in 2009, came with a new wave of minimalist electronic music movement, featuring hits like Crystalised and Islands, which catapulted them to stardom. What makes xx so striking is just how understated it is. With nothing more than a few guitars, bass, and drums, The Xx created an album that was both emotionally charged and deeply relatable.
Their second album, Coexist, released in 2012, maintained the band’s minimalism, as they continued with their introspective lyrics. Coexist features an even more subdued, yet equally ambient sound as xx, however, this album features some of the band’s darkest lyrics. The song Angels is about loss and heartbreak, this song and Chained with its rising and falling instrumentals are probably the two best tracks on the album.
Their third album, I See You, released in 2017, the band had grown and matured in terms of highlighting the complexities of their sound. The opening track, Dangerous, is a banger with synths and an island beat that contrasts the intimacy and melancholy found on their previous works. The unique thing about this album is how open it is. They dive into more uptempo beats that anyone can dance to. A stand-out track is On Hold, it also features a Hall and Oates sample, making it a nostalgia-inducing hit that anyone can groove to soulfully.
The Xx is known for their atmospheric rock approach, which is an integration of different genres like indie rock, dream pop, and post-punk. Their music is the type that can really capture both the ears and hearts of anyone who listens to it. The band creates a sound that feels huge and intimate at the same time.
The Xx has performed at various venues around the world since its formation but one concert stands out – their performance at Coachella 2010. Performing their debut album xx, the band had not yet achieved the global recognition they have today. The band’s atmospheric sound was perfect for the desert festival, and the energy of the crowd created a truly unforgettable performance.
Critics have acknowledged that The Xx's music can be too understated for some, and it's easy to understand why others might not connect with their sound, which gets described as forgettable ear candy. However, what the critics don't realize is how effective the band's subtlety can be. The Xx creates music that speaks intimately to the listener, sometimes hitting you where it really, really hurts. That's what makes their music unforgettable.
The Xx's music has been an impactful part of the indie pop scene over the past decade. With their distinctive sound and emotive lyrics, it's easy to see why their fans feel such a strong connection to their music. Their three main albums stand as a testament to their inspiring journey and undeniable talent. The influence of their atmospheric rock approach on future songs is a given. The Xx's music is spellbinding, and we can’t wait to hear more from them.
Songs

Selected YouTube songs from our archive

Crystalised (the Neon Lights Remix)
The Xx Crystalised (the Neon Lights Remix)
Naive
The Xx Naive
Crystalised (edu Imbernon Remix)
The Xx Crystalised (edu Imbernon Remix)
Reconsider
The Xx Reconsider
Sunset (jamie Xx Edit)
The Xx Sunset (jamie Xx Edit)
Crystalised (dark Sky Remix)
The Xx Crystalised (dark Sky Remix)
Articles and news

Stories, updates and listening guides