Reviewer Reviews...Coexist-The xx-A Music Review

Something is happening. The xx are coming. Of course it was hardly difficult to see their songs fail, due to them being constantly played in just about anything over and over again (I'm looking at you, Waterloo Road). This can be forgiven due to their subtle, terrific debut xx, with one of the most brilliant marketing campaign's I saw that year. Now back on brilliant form, Oliver, Jamie and Romy are joining as a contender for one of the best albums this year. The crowning track is obviously Angels, where the quiet sorrow of Romy's voice flows over Jamie's distinctive synth. The repetition of love is chilling and so sad, and the music so perfect, It is an obvious choice for the best song on the album. But there is more. Chained is a fascinating choice for the somphore song on a sophmore album, but it fits surprisingly well and echoes some of their earlier work, such as the sombre Do You Mind? The bravest piece on the album is definitely Reunion, with the fantastic clatter of steel drums, obviously a nod to Jamie xx's solo album with Gil Scott Herron. Powerfully sad is Missing, Oliver Sim wailing (My Heart is beating/In a different way). Overall, this is a spectacular album, and a definite challenger for best album of the year. 9/10 MT. Do you agree with Matteo? Or was the three piece's first effort better? Comment below...