CMJ: The xx @ The Apple Store

October 27, 2009 9:56 AM

The Apple Store in Soho on was particularly abuzz last Thursday night, due to a special performance by UK ingenues The xx. Now, this particular band holds a special place in my heart, because it fulfills three important aspects of what is considered a legitimate “indie” group: they’re young, they wear lots of black, and their name starts with “the.” But they also capture my attention because they have an undeniably attractive sound. Haunting, lingering vocals against a backdrop of somber keyboarding in minor key with a dash of percussion to keep the beat leave the listener wondering how four 20-year-olds from South London can produce music that can leave a lasting impression. 

The venue wasn’t your typical concert stage, but it was still packed with first time xx-viewers and fans. There was a theatre area on the second floor, which was good – how seriously can you take musicians when they are giving heartfelt sets next to a bunch of iphones? Anyway, the members of the xx - Oliver, Romy, Jamie, and Baria were all business, and they let everyone know it. They came onto the stage quickly and silently, picked up their instruments, and immediately began with “Crystallized,” one of the singles off of their new album, XX. Although most of the tracks comprise basic chords and melodies, the combined sounds of guitar, vocals, and electronic accompaniment form a clean, cohesive songs. Their rendition of another track, “Basic Space,” was another good example of this. The beginning starts out with a playful two-note refrain against a background of what sounds like tumbling pebbles falling to the ground. Co-lead singer Romy’s wispy voice went well with her wispy bangs; she also had on some great long silver necklaces, which I spent some time wondering where she got them.

Don’t worry, that was my only five-year-old distraction to the performance; it’s really hard not to pay attention to this group. And the best moment of the night? They treated the audience to their critically acclaimed cover of “Teardrops” – that’s right, I’m talking about the amazingly 80s-tastic original song written and performed by dynamic duo Womack and Womack. Um, can someone say awesome?

(Susan Shin / ABC News)