The XX At Juno Download

Review: As if anticipation for their second album wasn't already high enough, The xx have delivered a surprise in the form of "Angels" to further whet your appetites, a typically dub shrouded piece of high concept balladry from the trio.

Review: The XX have wisely taken their time to conjure up a follow-up to their all-conquering debut album, and they start very tentatively on the sparse tones of "Angels", allowing Romy's fragile vocals to dominate. Things are not much rowdier on "Chained", although Jamie gets a chance to work a subtle ticking beat into the mix. Coexist is a blue-tinted record that revels in its own languid demeanour, from the tender guitar picks to the broad space in the production, not least on as downbeat a reflection as "Try". With the subject by and large that of heartache, it's little wonder it's such a melancholy journey.

Review: Following in the trend set out from their first album, The XX let their resident beatsmith take the reins for a couple of indulgences into more electronically-minded versions of cuts from Coexist. "Sunset" gets worked into a simmering house groove that comes on with a distinct post-punk vibe, all live, unpolished drums and prominent bass, while the vocals get brought raw and close in the mix. "Reconsider" gets into a stripped down, steppy groove played out on found sound percussion immaculately produced with staggering attention to detail, while the original structure of the track drifts in and out of focus as though shot through a dream-fuelled filter.

Review: The XX can do no wrong it seems with recent second album, Coexist, debuting at number one and receiving a Brit Award nomination. Here we have album track "Sunset" plucked from its tracklisting and given a going over by Kim Ann Foxman of Hercules & Love Affair fame. It's a match made in heaven as Coexist was inspired by the kind of dance music that Foxman and co make; as a result of this we get a lovely melancholy slice of breathy and deep Chicago house that's in no rush to go anywhere, which is no bad thing!