by Logan Gesell
Rating: 9/10
The xx continues their well known themes of love and inevitable heartbreak while making it sound just as exciting and beautiful as their last two albums. The group consists of three friends and skilled musicians, Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie Smith (aka Jamie xx). They formed during their years spent at Elliott School, releasing their first album, xx, in 2009. Both their debut and sophomore album, Coexist (2012), were well received by critics and fans. The xx toured and had some side projects, including Smith’s solo album, In Colour and a few songs together. With over two years since they first shared news of a third album, I See You was released on January 13th under British independent label, Young Turks.
On this new album, Jamie has brought some interesting beats that seem appropriately influenced by his solo work done. The end of the final track “Test Me”, is a great example of such sounds. Romy provides her usual dreamy/spacey guitar vibes while having an incredible amount of emotion and conviction in her words. Oliver starts out the album with a heavy and groovy bass line which projects well through Jamie’s diso-esque beat and horn section on “Dangerous”, a song whose interweaving lyrics invoke multiple, conflicting meanings.
When the three members contribute all of themselves to songs such as the sensual track “Lips”, it is hard to think you would want with anything less. Yet, when they keep it to one singer something equally as magical emerges. As Romy pours out her emotions during vocal solos, the other two members are their to support her through their playing. You can feel this strong love through Jamie’s beats and Oliver’s bass slides in Romy’s heart wrenching ballad, “Performance”.
I See You successfully showcases The xx as individuals and as a group. Each song is a testament to their love for each other while simultaneously speaking to the listener’s heart. This album might just be the band’s best yet!
FCC: Clean
RIYL: Foals, James Blake, Hot Chip
Favorite Tracks: 3, 4, 7, 9
