Music / The xx

From left to right: Oliver Sim, Romy Madley Croft, Jamie xx

The xx are an indie pop/dream pop band from London formed in 2005, noted for their minimal sound and intimate lyrics. They are composed of three members: Romy Madley Croft (vocals, guitar), Oliver Sim (vocals, bass), and Jamie "xx" Smith (percussion, keyboards, electronics, production)^note The band previously included guitarist/keyboardist Baria Qureshi, who left shortly after their debut album's release.. They hit it big in the indie world when they released their first Self-Titled Album xx in 2009, to widespread critical acclaim. Three years later, they released a second album called Coexist. They are perhaps best known for their songs "Intro", "Islands", and "Crystallized".

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Discography:

• xx (2009)
• Coexist (2012)
• I See You (2017)

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The xx provides examples of:

• Break-Up Song: "Sunset"
  When I see you again
  And I'm greeted as a friend
  It is understood
  That we did all we could
• Dream Pop: One of the few modern bands to have this as their main influence.
• Epic Instrumental Opener: "Intro" is this for xx.
• Double X
• New Sound Album: I See You branches out considerably from the minimal style of their first two albums, incorporating the dance/house influences prominent in Jamie xx's solo work.
• Silly Love Song: "Angels"
  And everyday
  I am learning about you
  The things that no one else sees
  And the end comes too soon
  Like dreaming of angels
  Being
  As in love with you as I am
• Perishing Alt-Rock Voice
• Soprano and Gravel: Downplayed as Romy is more of an alto, but it's still a sharp contrast to Oliver's deep gravelly baritone.
• The Smurfette Principle: After Baria Qureshi's departure, Romy became the sole female member of the group.

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