British indie-pop trio the xx is known for adopting the mindset “less is more.” Self-proclaimed music minimalists, the xx exploded onto the music scene in 2009 with their self-titled album “xx.” Even their album art is strictly no-nonsense, with all of their records featuring a plain cover with a large X in the middle. After almost five years with no new music, the band is back with the release of their third album, “I See You.” While fans might be surprised at first by some of the album’s new musical directions, “I See You” remains a true the xx album.
The band is made up of bassist-vocalist Oliver Sim, guitarist-vocalist Romy Madley Croft and producer-drummer Jamie Smith, aka Jamie xx. The sounds on both their first album and second album, “Coexist,” are atmospheric. Its music is made up of seductive, bass-heavy synth chords while the two vocalists croon softly about love and loss. The xx is a band that stands out for being a perfect middle ground — not quite upbeat enough for a dance party but relaxed enough to play on a long road trip. The band’s albums are not usual selections for pumping up a party but they always have the appropriate tracks to wind down a crowd.
During the band’s five year absence between “Coexist” and “I See You,” Jamie xx released his own solo album, “In Colour.” Incredibly dissimilar from his former music with the xx, “In Colour” was an EDM and sampler music side project. It flew to the top of Pitchfork’s Best New Music review and was an album that earned Smith a Grammy nomination. For Jamie xx, the band became an afterthought in the excitement following his album.
However, time passed and new music did come. With “I See You,” the xx hinted they were going in a new direction with the debut of their new single “On Hold” in November. It’s obvious the band took a long five years to recharge before this album because “On Hold” is their most explosive track to date. The song starts off slow in signature the xx style, with Croft and Sim taking turns to sing gently about various relationship problems. Thirty seconds into the song, however, the track takes off into a chorus of fast-paced electronica beats that continue throughout the rest of the track.
From the get-go, the xx’s first track on the album, titled “Dangerous,” calls listeners to get up and dance. Funky synth beats evolve into a fun trumpet riff, a style that is new to the band. As the song progresses, Croft and Sim still please the more traditionalist listener with their signature, velvety vocals.
“Say Something Loving” and “I Dare You” also stand out as a unique turn for the band. These two songs, along with “Hold On,” make up three songs on the album that carry an altogether new instrumental direction. “Say Something Loving” starts with a quick, preachy opening line taken from the Alessi Brothers’ 1976 track “Do You Feel It.” Throughout the song, Croft and Sim sound different, but in a good way. Their voices are more clear and immediate while Smith fills the song with subtle EDM drum rifts.
This is not to say that “I See You” is not truly a the xx album. Other than those three tracks, most of the album’s other songs end up following the band’s tried-and-true musical blueprint that allowed them to become so successful in the first place. If anything, the record is a sign that the xx members are finally comfortable in their own skin. They know how to please fans who have been listening since 2009 but are also adventurous enough to go in a new direction.
The xx will be on their “I See You” global tour from Feb. 8 to Aug. 20.
