Track Review: Angels - The xx

A hollow swirl of psychedelic beauty with an air of almost unnerving tranquillity is how I would describe The xx's latest track, taken from their new album, 'Coexist', which is set to be released in September this year. Just over three years after the unveiling of their debut album, 'xx', the London-based trio (now consisting of Romy Madley-Croft, Oliver Sim and Jamie Smith following guitarist Baria Qureshi's departure) recently outed two new singles from their second studio album, the first of which being 'Angels'. Similar to their earlier tracks, the song is short and effortlessly simple, but Madley-Croft's smoky, beguiling vocals and minimalist instrumental style are enough to leave listeners pining for more, leaving an impression that lasts long after the song has ended. The question that remains is, what does this track say about their musical progression from their last album? Will it set the indie music scene on fire?

The track is a clear indicator of the band's willingness to explore different musical horizons and adding different moods and tones to their music. Vaguely reminiscent of some of their earlier tracks, such as the light and serene 'VCR', 'Angels' possesses some of the same mellow and relaxing qualities, whilst adopting a slightly more mysterious, introspective feel. A beautifully placid and evocative track, the combination of chilled vocals, soft melancholy guitar and exposed drum beat is all brought together by an enchanting background echo, which really brings about the raw, stripped back nature of the track.

 

Imagine walking through a forest in the mountains, crisp autumn air filling your lungs, snow-capped mountain tops encircling you as far as the eye can see. You're completely alone in the depths of nature, but are filled with a bizarre dizzy sense of euphoria; that analogy is how I would describe what listening to this track feels like. On a side note, the album is set to be released on 10th September 2012 here in the UK, but what particularly interests me is the fact that its American release date falls on 9th September, the date of the notorious 9/11 attacks. The way the release date cleverly coinciding with such a significant date combined with the appropriate album name, 'Coexist', must surely have been a carefully though out statement by the band. This subtle but highly effective choice of release date gives the album even more depth and has sparked even more speculation, which now surrounds the band whose ever-increasing prestige and creditability (their self-produced debut album, 'xx', was awarded the Mercury Prize) is being fuelled even further by the promise of great things to come.

The unique, iconic and incredibly novel new sound of The xx is carried through in 'Angels' and judging by the refined, calming and effortless vibe given off by the track, I have a feeling the rest of the album won't disappoint. It's still beyond me how such simplicity in terms of instruments and vocals can make for such a stand-out track and hopefully 'Coexist' will live up to the high hopes of both myself and the rest of the indie music scene.

The xx - Coexist
Released: 10th September 2012 (UK) 9th September 2012 (US)



Angels - The xx