What's Playing? The XX

The xx are an English indie pop band, formed in Wandsworth, London in 2005. The group released their debut album, xx in August 2009. 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. Although it may be a little old their first album "xx" released in 2009 won me over and is still one of my favourite records of all time. One has to have quite a high appreciation and understanding of music to create such brilliance, that which can still be enjoyed years after the release. You are immediatly mesmorized when you listen to the first song "Intro" which mainly consists of instrumentals and hauntingly beautiful vocals. Interestingly enough, this song was used by Rihanna on the song "Drunk on Love" from  "Talk that Talk' album. Songs to listen to on the xx album are: Shelter, Do You Mind and Basic Space.(on the deluxe edition). The group released another album "Coexist" after a break from touring for their 2009 debut album xx, the group's members began writing songs individually before recording the album from November 2011 to May 2012. Guitarist Romy Madley Croft and bassist Oliver Sim drew on personal experiences for their songwriting. For Coexist, The xx drew on the electronic dance music.
In 2013, The xx was nominated for the Brit Awards as Best British Group, although lost out to Mumford & Sons. (source: wikipedia) I love the sounds this band comes up with and would strongly urge anyone with a love for music that isn't necessarily mainstream to give them a try. Got to love indie pop.

xx