The xx - Coexist
- By Matthew Laidlow -
- Sep 10, 2012
Until The Mercury Music Prize, a lot of folk didn’t really give an fXXk about The xx and only their critically acclaimed self-titled debut see them catapulted into the stratosphere. All of a sudden, 10,000 people had seen them play at their early gigs in grotty pubs.
Speak to some people and they’ll tell you that The xx aren’t the most accessible of groups to get into. Musically, they are still ahead of most British bands and have churned out another unique album that sets them apart from standard indie albums with big guitar licks and electronic albums with all sorts of bleeps and wobble.
Whilst pressure will already be heaped on previous acclaim that The xx picked up, band member Jamie XX already has a high profile name for himself with solo material and remix work. It’s not as if the likes of Florence and the Machine, Adele and Radiohead would ask a novice to rework their efforts. So will this follow up see too much of his involvement and transform the album into a more dance-orientated affair?
Fans of The xx’s won’t find themselves faced with a dancefloor stomper. Once again, they are bringing back the calm with the occasional stuttering of drum machine that brings up the tempo, but not enough to really get a real buzz generated. But then, why should everything make you dance? The underlining musicianship in tracks like ‘Sunset’ really stand out. More dark and moody tones set the tone for a more negative space but deliver it without bringing all of your emotions down.
People who are firm fans of the band won’t find any issues with ‘Coexist’ though outsiders may still find it slightly isolating in parts. Songs sometimes feel like they could develop and go elsewhere, but the minimal tones have already won The xx enough fans and praise. So why change?
7/10
By Matthew Laidlow. Blogs at hecklerspray and tweets at MatthewLaidlow
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