The XX – Coexist
Review by Morgan Waldorf
The XX are a band that are hard to put into a specific category or genre. The group self describe their sound on their facebook page as “pop, experimental….. whatever you want it to be.” The British trio formed in 2008 and released their first album titled, xx, within a year. The debut record got very positive feedback from music critics and there has been high anticipation for the release of their follow up album. With this sophomore album, Coexist, the group has brought their signature ambient yet pop influenced sound, or whatever you want it to be, back and amped it up by taking what they did on xx and doing it even better.
The albums first track, “Angels”, should no doubt be familiar to most fans by now. The record’s first single has been out for a while now and really got people talking about the band’s upcoming sophomore album. It’s a very strong, beautiful song that starts the album on a positive note. It sounds like old The XX material but in a new light.
The record continues in this manner with the same beautifully sad sounding indie pop The XX are so good at, taking you down different paths, speeding things up and then slowing them down all very seamlessly. The XX create an atmosphere all their own with emotional lyrics about a relationship that is falling apart, quiet vocals shared by Romy Croft and Oliver Sim, and excellent production.
“Chained” is a stand out track upon first listen with a prominent drum beat and beautifully simple melody. The repeated words, “We used to be closer than this. Is it something you miss?” have been stuck in my head for days.
Tracks like “Reunion” and “Sunset” start smooth and melancholy but slowly build to become almost dance tracks, in an unconventional way. The highlight of “Sunset” is it’s absolutely beautiful shared male and female vocals charged with emotion, singing as lovers who now act like strangers.
“Missing” is a favorite of mine which features a drum beat that sounds like a heartbeat to compliment its lyrics “My heart is beating in a different way.” The track also features Croft’s beautiful, haunting background vocals.
The XX certainly haven’t disappointed with this second effort. It will surely be praised just as much as the trio’s debut was. This record goes to show that good music can’t always be defined or characterized. Simply listen to it and enjoy.
Overall Rating: 5/5
Website: www.thexx.info
