There's not many popular bands right now that exhibit as much restraint as XX. The London band blew the doors off the indie rock world with their 2009 debut & we imagine it was rather stressful to create this follow-up. Fortunately for the band, the pulled it off. Surprisingly, XX has gone even MORE minimal this time. Sometimes so little is happening in a song, it's hard to imagine how they built it. Jamie XX's post-UK bass production is subdued & so sparse that it's easy to miss on the first listen. In a way, XX seems like the Sade for twenty-somethings in 2012, with lusty & longing whispered vocals & soft beats & production & you know what, that's pretty F-ing smart, cuz everybody loves freaking Sade.

2009 album from the much hyped group of London youngsters XX. Their sound is a mix of modern art rock with some RADIOHEAD & INTERPOL esque melodies mixed with a little "Around the World in a Day" era PRINCE, & a little PJ HARVEY. The lyrics get pretty sultry at times but they're kept in check. Let's just say they don't take it as far as ARAB STRAP ok? If you like your makeout music on the sparse side then light a few candles & throw this one on for size.