The XX

Rating

: * * * *

Verdict

:

X hits the spot. Magic.

On paper, The XX might sound like any other over-hyped indie line-up out of London; the four 20-year-olds met at the acclaimed Elliot School and play thoughtful, shoegazing, dream pop.

The difference is, The XX don't sound much like anyone else. From the moment the swirling instrumental

Intro

begins, the band command your attention, luring you into their world with their soft, seductive alt rock.

Like someone whispering state secrets, The XX will have you leaning in close to hear what they have to say as Romy Medley Croft and Oliver Sim alternate vocals. The pair smoulder as they pass the vocal baton from boy to girl and back again, their chemistry stealing any and all attention away from whatever words they happen to be sing-speaking.

Simple, without being boring, The XX specialise in beautiful melancholy. Their instrumentation is pared-back and precise, with every movement carefully considered and absolutely necessary.

It's rare to go through a record without having a single standout, favourite track but The XX is such a consistently crafted debut, every track is as good as the first.

Intriguing, beguiling and slightly unsettling, The XX is near perfection - and the ultimate accompaniment to that final nightcap.

Joanna Hunkin