Music Note—The XX

By Gilmarie Brioso on August 9, 2012

I was on a Florence and the Machine rampage, scouring YouTube for music videos, covers and remixes. This sort of obsession is a natural occurrence for me. It happened with Ellie Goulding and M83, Passion Pit and Phoenix. I become addicted and cannot get enough of a certain group or artist. This fixation irritates my friends and family who have to sit through the constant repetitions. But it is my personal enjoyment, and a great way to meet new music.

It was on my Florence and the Machine rampage that I first encountered The XX. Their remixed version of “You’ve Got the Love” blew me away. I was drawn in by the low voices of Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft within the opening. But it was the slow groove to the jazzy beats that kept my ear, the subtle dubstep leaving me in a trance-like state.

“Neck, chest, waist to floor
Easy to take, you could take me in fours.”—“Basic Space”

After my Florence and the Machine mania settled down, I began to pay more attention to The XX. The single “Basic Space” became my next focus. I was intrigued by the track’s use of percussion. It follows a steady beat that is faint yet captivating. The song opens with the Oliver Sim’s voice, a low yet thick tone that’s full of attitude. Romy Madley Croft is quickly introduced; a sweeter version of the Sim’s; but its quicker pace offers a nice balance.

“That bridge is on fire. Going back to where I’ve been. I’m froze by desire. No need to leave.”—“Islands”

My love for the English group solidified with “Islands.” Once again, the song is heavy on the percussion yet is much more upbeat and poppy. Once again, the voices work to create a sort of balance, an equilibrium fitting for the song is about a complete love that in a way stabilizes and situates a lover. What’s more, the song speaks of an active search for love, “Spend my nights and days before, searching the world for what’s right here. Underneath and unexplored islands and cities I have looked,” which is also simulated within the music. The steams of up-tempo rhythm represent the search; the sudden stop towards the end, the final end of a love found.

The XX’s music is both poetic and captivating. Listen to the instrumental “Intro” along with the single “Stars.”

 

The XX’s next album, Coexist, will be released this September.

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