XX is the eponymous debut album of this south London foursome, influenced by the dubstep scene of the area. They have a simple sound, with a strong percussion and bass backing. The vocals, provided by girl/boy duo, Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim, are the centrepiece of each track, which are so sparse and relaxed that it sounds like music a couple of mates could’ve recorded in their living room. The reassuring repeated basslines and mantra-like lyrics combine to create desperately beautiful songs.
On first listen the album does seem slightly samey and most of the tracks are not long; there is a feeling of anticipation as you think the music is going to build to a climax, but never does. Highlight tracks are Fantasy, which downplays the percussion and bass, instead providing a haunting wash of sound which appealed to the Radiohead-lover in me, and Basic Space, with heavier percussion and a more upbeat, engaging chorus.
As you listen you become increasingly aware of the individual threads of music in each song and increasingly appreciative of the beauty of the singers’ voices and their ethereal timbre. Stars is typical of the overall nature of the album. The bass opening that is so simple and strong has a heavy rock sound about it, which contrasts, but works perfectly with the smooth, languid vocals.
Jess Sweeney