The xx return for album number three, and they are just as good as ever. Continuing to blur genres, "I See You" is a wonderful cohesive album of poetic tunes.
When "Angels" came out, I like everyone, fell in love with its ease and beauty. The xx continued to make great music, but then when Jamie xx made solo music, it was a worry that they wouldn't return. Thank God we got a great present at the beginning of the year with this special album.
The xx have one of the most original sounds in music today. There is a beautiful subtlety and restraint to their music, deeply layered and wonderfully produced music. Their sound is eclectic and sample heavy but still sounds so distinctly them. There's a melancholy to their work that is beautiful and the vocals are strong, sad and hopeful. They are a band of contradictions, and that is part of their appeal.
At a relatively small 10 songs, the album feels like it is over before it even begins. You certainly want to start it all over again. While their sound is different, I get the same feels I got when I used to listen to new Portishead albums. The album is again minimal and sounds as close to art as music gets.
First single, "On Hold" is definitely the standout track. It was massive at the end of 2016, and there's good reason. It is the most pop sounding song on the album and has a very catchy chorus, I found myself walking around humming it for days on end. Second release, "Say Something Loving" is also an infectious tune with so much longing.
"A Violent Noise" is another winner, the building beats sits beautifully just below the surface. The vocals on "Performance" are simply stunning and elicit so much with such ease. "Brave" is an inspiring song with a lush vocal and "I Dare You" is an intriguing track that's easy to listen to.
The xx have done it again with an amazing album full of beauty and beats, it's a definite winner.
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