- published: 07 May 2013
- views: 27302345
The xx are an English indie pop band, formed in London in 2008. The group released their debut album, xx in August 2009. The album ranked highly on many best of 2009 lists, placing number one on the list compiled by The Guardian and second for NME. In 2010, the band won the Mercury Music Prize for their debut album.
They are currently working on their second album, Coexist, which is to be released in 2012.
The band met while studying at Elliott School, the same school that produced Hot Chip, Burial and Four Tet. The group, however, have downplayed the influence of the school on their career: "A teacher from Elliott who had never even taught us said how great we were. It's a bit annoying. We were left alone, more than anything - although I'm sure that helped us in its own way." Oliver Sim and Romy Madley-Croft started the band as a duo when they were 15. Guitarist Baria Qureshi joined once they began performing in 2005, with Jamie Smith joining a year after.
The group's debut album, xx, was met with sweeping critical praise, achieving a rating of "Universal acclaim" on Metacritic. The album also ranked well on "best of the year" lists, placing ninth on the Rolling Stone list and second for NME. In the 2009 NME The Future 50 list, The xx were positioned at number six, and in October 2009, they were named one of MTV Iggy's "Top 10 Bands with Buzz" (at the CMJ Music Marathon 2009).
You've applied the pressure
To have me crystalised
And you've got the faith
That I could bring paradise
I'll forgive and forget
Before I'm paralysed
Do I have to keep up the pace
To keep you satisfied
Things have gotten closer to the sun
And I've done things in small doses
So don't think that I'm pushing you away
When you're the one that I've kept closest
[ahh ahh ahh] x4
You don't move slow
Taking steps in my directions
The sound resounds, echo
Does it lesson your affection
No
You say I'm foolish
For pushing this aside
But burn down our home
I won't leave alive
Glacies have melted to the sea
I wish the tide would take me over
I've been down on my knees
And you just keep on getting closer
[ahh ahh ahh] x4
Glacies have melted to the sea
(Things have gotten closer to the sun)
I wish the tide would take me over
(And I've done things in small doses)
I've been down onto my knees
(So don't think that I'm pushing you away)
And you just keep on getting closer
(When you're the one that I've kept closest)
Go slow x5