The xx have finally arrived Stateside, and in a major way. The London-based band were recently plucked to open for Florence and The Machine on a European tour this month, placing them in front of sold-out audiences, as well as garnering positive reviews from Pitchfork, NME and The Guardian. Not bad for a group all still under the age of 21. They kicked things off at London’s Elliott School, which also bred members of Fleetwood Mac, Hot Chip and artists like Burial and Four Tet.
The xx also played the Reading and Leeds festivals earlier this year, and are set to headline their very own tour beginning in October, taking them from Bristol to Barcelona, Prague to Portland. Their self-titled album is available now via iTunes and in physical form October 20 from XL.
“Basic Space” introduced most U.S. listeners to their catchy sound last summer, a funky, breathy mix of electronic music, ’80s R&B and dance rock. Next came the much-hyped “Crystalised” and their slowed-down cover of Womack & Womack’s 1988 single “Teardrops,” which generated buzz for its heavy grooves and silky smooth vocals. Then, of course, there’s “Hot Like Fire,” done originally by Aaliyah.
Here the band describes their struggle as both musician and fan. Should they be able to make money from music? Yes. Should their fans be able to download their music for free? Yes. Conundrum!
TOPICS: Crystal Ballin'