Thursday, April 9, 2009

GO SLOW.

The XX are a new breed of bright young things. The South London teenagers pen dark, atmospheric compositions that demonstrate a natural songwriting ability far beyond their collective years, crafting songs that stay with you long after they've run their course. Introductory single "Crystalised" is one of the more breathtaking debuts we've heard in this or any other year, its spacious production and minimal arrangement giving way to the male-female vocal interplay that takes center stage as our subjects trade verses back and forth, stepping on one another's lines with a calculated grace to brilliant effect. The XX recently finished recording their debut album in the brand new one room studio at XL Recordings' Notting Hill headquarters and its currently being readied for release through Young Turks this September. XL have gambled (and lost?) on teenage bands before, but if "Crystalised" is any indication they're onto a surefire winner here.

MP3: "Crystalised" - The XX

In other news, everyone's favorite song from SXSW is now up for free download over at Domino Records. Don't sleep.
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11 comments:

  1. nate tape deckApril 10, 2009 at 12:21 PM

    dirrrrrty

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  2. Liam HaynesApril 10, 2009 at 1:06 PM

    I think Stars is a standout track. Absolutely gorgeous.

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  3. Bradley the BuyerApril 10, 2009 at 3:51 PM

    Haven't these guys been around a while as Xerox Teens? I'm pretty sure they've been on Rough Trade complilations and the like too so I can't see how this is their debut.

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  4. Bradley the BuyerApril 10, 2009 at 3:52 PM

    I meant to add - still a cracking tune though!

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  5. jehanApril 10, 2009 at 8:10 PM

    bit harsh on CDP. not their fault Mystery Jets released Twenty One and stole their thunder.

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  6. Neon GoldApril 10, 2009 at 8:15 PM

    Xerox Teens changed their name to XX Teens. Similar name but wildly different sound than that of The XX.

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  7. AnonymousApril 10, 2009 at 8:17 PM

    Their cover of teardrops is also very, very hot.

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  8. RobApril 11, 2009 at 6:00 PM

    here's a question, how do you pronounce their name - the "ex ex," "exes," "double cross," "double ex" "female chromosome," or something else?

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  9. UnknownApril 12, 2009 at 7:00 PM

    From conversations with people at XL it's "The Ex Ex" as far as I know.

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  10. LudoApril 15, 2009 at 9:29 AM

    really liking the blog recently - some great songs, including this one. keep up the good work...

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  11. WillHungoverApril 17, 2009 at 4:32 AM

    ya Stars is a legit track

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