Hello folks. Back with the internet's favourite irregular music column, I hereby present you with this week's album - XX, by, ironically enough, an English group entitled The xx. I thought about trying to write my review as minimalist as possible, in celebration of the wondrous minimalism of this album; but let's be honest, I'm verbose and wordy. So instead, in contrast, we'll juxtapose the simple beauty of this music with the prolixity of my prose.
Now, were I to describe this album in the form of a picture, I would first of all, point to the album cover (shown above). But aside from that, I think I would choose the following:
Mainly I chose this work because it was one of the first images to pop up on google that wasn't obnoxiously neon, but that's besides the point. It's quite fascinating, I think, in its simplicity - much like this week's musical selection. For those of you with any interest in these sorts of hoity-toity, latté-sipping artistic endeavors, the above painting is by American artist Frank Stella, and is entitled The Marriage of Reason and Squalor, II.
Now, as wikipedia has informed me, minimalism is marked by an attempt to strip the artwork down to its most fundamental features. I think the above artwork by Mr. Stella is quite indicative of that principle. Applying that definition and theoretical conception, I have never heard a rock album quite like "XX." Now, you may all be aware that I place quite a bit of emphasis in my own listening on the overarching texture, tone, and trajectory of an album. In meeting these criteria, I think "XX" is one of the most extraordinary albums I've heard in a while; mainly because the simplicity of the music just kind of sucks you into another world. In terms of creating an aural experience, I actually have likened it somewhat to the "()" album by one of my favourite bands, Sigur Rós. But whereas Sigur Rós creates orchestral tapestries, The xx creates a sort of anti-matter musical experience. Your stereo won't explode, but it very well may collapse in on itself like a dying star.
Simply put, The xx has embraced a concept of music that is seldom even considered, much less put into practice, by mainstream artists - that silence is as important as sound. By sticking to simple melodies and a stripped down instrumentation, what is not being heard almost comes across as an instrument in itself. The silence actually speaks. This, I think, is a fairly impressive achievement. In my opinion, minimalism, as maybe evident by the above art, tends to walk a fine line between the profound and the prosaic. After all, there's only so much meaning you can pack into painting some lines on a canvas, just as there's only so much silence that can go into music before it becomes just dead space.
In the interest of full disclosure, I'll admit, as a general rule, I'm partial toward minimalist art, as well as abstraction. I think I tend to find more meaning in it, which probably explains my transfixed gaze whenever I chance across a Mark Rothko painting. So maybe "prosaic" is a harsh term, if self-application is the rule. However, when you try this sort of thing stylistically, risk is definitely involved. In the case of "XX," the success of this risk, in my opinion, adds substantially to the "I'm impressed" factor.
Now, I use the term "simplicity" to explain The xx, but that shouldn't be used as synonymous with "simple" music. The compositions here are quite unique, almost all utilizing very sparse, single note guitar lines, synth, and what sounds like a beat machine. The vocals mesh seamlessly into this sound tapestry, which I think is due to the emotive understatement that the two singers (one male, one female) manage to convey. As an excellent NPR review points out, for being so cool, XX is reassuringly vulnerable. I chalk this up to the realization that some things are better in small doses, be it good scotch or synthesizer.
After all that, I suppose the individual songs are in and of themselves, irrelevant to the overall scope of this album. But, for the sake of being thorough, I think my preferred tracks thus far are "VCR," "Crystalized," "Heart Skipped a Beat," and "Infinity." On "Infinity," I can't get enough of the finger snapping and the faux-synth-clapping. Seriously folks, why isn't there more faux-synth-clapping in the world?
But please be forewarned, this is undoubtedly cool music for cool kids. "XX" would be right at home in an industrial-ish club in a trendy area of town - the kind that features lots of stainless steel, exposed ceilings, minimalist decor, patrons clad in black, and $20 sake-pomegranate-tinis. It's music that seems like it should be reserved for icy, pale, beautiful women, the sort of women you are fearful to approach because they literally appear otherworldly. Or, I suppose, it would also probably be equally at home in a sushi restaurant - but only one exclusively patronized by pretentious white people.
For those of you who don't spend enough time in cool, stainless steel bars, don't have an icy, otherworldly demeanor, or don't consider yourself a pretentious enough white person, take solace in the fact that you could probably also listen to "XX" at Chipotle; what with the industrial-chic interior and all. Maybe that will make you feel a little better about the five thousand calorie burrito you just ate.
If this is cool music for cool kids, I know you all have the same question on the collective tip of your tongue: why the hell am I, of all people, reviewing this? Self-admittedly, and with my eyes gazing at my shuffling feet, I probably have to fit into the aforementioned burrito group. But whatever, "coolness" is only a relative concept anyways.
If you're looking for some music to sing along with in your car, I probably would not recommend this album. If you're looking to get pumped up for some big event, skip "XX," and get some Rage. But if you want some uber-chill music that can be both artsy and enjoyable (thus scoring you major culture points with any guests), you are hereby required to check out The xx and their debut album. Wild, wonderful stuff.
Addendum - check out the NPR link above to listen to some of the music.
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