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The xx - TV Tropes

  • ️Tue Oct 25 2016

The xx (Music)

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 .

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". Their third I See You was released in 2017.

Outside of the band, Jamie has a solo career, first releasing a remix album with Gil Scott-Heron called We're Still Here in 2011, In Colour in 2015 and In Waves in 2024.


Discography:

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

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: It's right in their name.
  • 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.