This is the best album The XX have ever made, sounding both familiar and experimental. It plays into the strengths of all three individuals This is the best album The XX have ever made, sounding both familiar and experimental. It plays into the strengths of all three individuals uniting as gifted musicians to produce a masterpiece.



This album brilliantly captures The XX’s subtle and effective evolution. It’s not a 180 from their first two albums. They found a fork in the road and chose the path to more emotionally uplifting music and lyrics. They still stay true to their atmospheric tone. None of group’s identity was compromised by the added thump and synthesized beats from rhythm section mastermind Jamie Smith.



It doesn’t dive headfirst into a new territory. Instead, it swims slowly and confidently into the deep end of unfamiliar waters with proven and trusted friends acting as metaphorical life vests. Sure it’s different and potentially challenging, but with unwavering support from your mates nothing is impossible. Oliver and Romy’s smoldering vocals are accompanied by their minimalistic instrumentals and are snuggly wrapped in Jamie’s trancey beats. … Expand