The XX's next move

The XX were a paradigm shift for sure. When their music hit the streets it was the aesthetic equivalent of being hit in the face with an ice cold bucket of water. The stark sound-scapes and simple, economical beats created a new benchmark for minimalism in contemporary rock music. Given the dazzle of modern production, it's always obvious when an artist eschews it. There's a sonic
hole left.

Their latest album is available to be streamed and I'm still digesting its contents. It's clear that it's at least as good as their debut but still I'm waiting to be blown away. I love it for all the same reasons I love the debut. The quiet beauty, the blase attitude, the calm. 

A wider palette of sound is used on this one, incorporating piano, more percussion, and even synth. This is a good sign. I was a little worried that whatever they did next would be built on the premise of having to remain as sparse as their debut, to the point of gimmickry. My favorite track is "Reunion" with its bright calypso against the song's otherwise pitch black background.

Here's the URL. Enjoy.