Review
The xx's self-titled debut album, released in 2009, introduced a sound that was immediately recognized for its innovation and emotionality. Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim, and Jamie xx, a trio hailing from London, carved out a niche with their stripped-down indie pop that weaves together electronic, R&B, and post-punk into a tapestry of intimate soundscapes. The subtlety of their instrumentation, coupled with the delicate whisper of their vocals and reflective lyrics on love's complexities, positions the album as a standout work, distinct for its understated yet deeply moving qualities.
This inaugural offering from The xx didn't just garner critical and commercial attention; it also set the stage for a new direction in music, influencing a myriad of artists across diverse genres. Their distinctive style, marked by haunting guitar reverbs, rhythmic bass, and the soft vocal exchange between Croft and Sim, laid out a template for introspective and minimalist indie music that would take root in the years to follow. Additionally, Jamie xx's production techniques seamlessly blended electronic beats with indie sensibilities, foreshadowing a decade where the fusion of genres and the emergence of alternative R&B would flourish. - Erika
