I'm shocked to realize that XX's debut is now 15+ years old - to me, they are still a "new band" that I haven't yet gotten round to spend some time with. I remember XX garnering top reviews when it was released, and buying it 2nd hand a few years later; I listened to it a few times, mostly playing in the background while doing other stuff. It's that kind of music, pleasant but unobtrusive. I always intended to give it a more serious listen, but new arrivals kept pushing it back at the end of the line, until random selection put it back on top. Re-listening to it, this sounds to me as the epitome of "indie". I know that the label is very generic, meaning non-commercial bands recording for independent labels, but to me it's always meant understated melodic pop, usually accompanied by jangly guitars or -as in this case- low-key electronic beats. The beats and production come courtesy of Jamie Smith, while the rest of the band is comprised by Romy Madley Croft (vocals, guitar) and Oliver Sim (vocals, bass). The album opens with the imaginitively titled "Intro", a moody instrumental that sets the scene for the whole album. "VCR" is an atmospheric piece with a relaxed, conversational, vocal by Romy (mostly) and Oliver. The latter sings one verse and backup here; dual vocals being typical of The XX. "Crystalised" is slightly more upbeat, based on a repetitive -and very catchy- riff. It's followed by the equally poppy "Islands" - these would become the band's 1st and 3rd single, respectively. "Heart Skipped A Beat" continues in the same vein; the synergy between the two singers is mor evident than ever. "Fantasy" is a short morose piece, while "Shelter" is a ghostly ballad centered on a quavering vocal from Romy, and "Basic Space" another track released as single; the dual vocals and stripped-back instrumental shine once more. "Infinity" is a long, hypnotic, track, and "Night Time" a trip-hop piece reminiscent of Portishead - although Romy's singing is less emotional, almost nonchalant. "Stars", which closes the CD, is cut from the same cloth as the rest; this is a gorgeous album, but offers little variation.
**** for VCR, Crystalised, Islands, Basic Space, Night Time
*** for Intro, Heart Skipped a Beat, Infinity, Stars
** for Fantasy
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