The xx formed in London in 2005 — Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim, and producer Jamie xx — and their hushed, minimalist take on indie pop won the Mercury Prize with the 2009 debut xx. Start with that debut, then follow the trio through Coexist (2012) and I See You (2017). Browse The xx vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The xx formed in London, England in 2005. The band consists of Romy Madley Croft (vocals, guitar), Oliver Sim (vocals, bass), and Jamie xx (Jamie Smith), who handles production and instrumentation, with Baria Qureshi an early member. Their 2009 debut album won the Mercury Prize and established them as a distinctive voice in British indie music. Jamie xx has additionally become an acclaimed solo producer and DJ.
The xx are known for minimalist, spacious arrangements that pair hushed, intimate vocals between Madley Croft and Sim with subtle guitar, bass, and electronic production. Their restrained, atmospheric sound, drawing on indie pop, dream pop, and electronic music, has been widely influential on contemporary moody, understated pop.
The band's Young Turks releases have appeared in colored-vinyl and anniversary editions, with the Mercury-winning debut a particular collector target. Jamie xx's solo records are also of related interest.
Listeners new to The xx almost always start with the debut xx (2009). For related listening, see and .
