Band About to Break It: The XX

The XX are a London quartet that look like they fell out of the early 80s British dark romantic gothic scene led by Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure and Bauhaus. Don’t hold this against them, they aren’t the typical watered down Joy Division NME-praised next big thing.  They have their own unique sound, heart-breaking hushed boy/girl vocals layered over ambient Slowdive (Pygmalion-era) guitars and low-end electronics.  They still manage create accessible pop music, down-tempo in speed, but catchy after a couple of listens.

The band has signed to Rough Trade in the UK, and are just about to release their debut self-titled disc on August 17th.  Check out the video for first single Crystalised below.

The band are playing a handful of shows in NYC this month but have no announced plans for a full North American tour (they are just playing their first headlining shows in London this month).