Thread: The XX

Not a huge fan.

I gave the album a listen--due to the hype--but found it mediocre at best and too overproduced for what amounts to a minimalist album. Sure, I can appreciate what they've done with it on an intellectual level...but I don't think it's going to get many plays from me.

But to each their own.

Never heard of them until now. Just went off and listened to "Basic Space." It was a really neat song, I like how minimalistic it was, without being to empty-sounding, you know?

Edit: I really like teardrops, too.

Mmmm I remember hitting the play button a handful of times for one of their songs in the past. Interesting group, not my fav.

I think their debut album is great. Doesn't sound remotely 'overproduced'... every sound is clear and simple. Definitely the best minimalist album I've heard. Apparently Bowie's 'Low' is supposed to 'minimalist' but I don't really see how it gets classified as such. They have a new album out anyway, need to listen to it some time... apparently it's decent.

Yeah, I like it and have been listening to it for the last few weeks. Kind of just getting bored with it now, meaning it will probably stay on my list and be listened to occasionally. This one is my favorite currently (love when the beat starts and when the guy starts singing, something about the way their voices go together is so amazing):



Also like Infinity, Angels, Island.

This band is hot as shit right now

Originally Posted by Xei

I think their debut album is great. Doesn't sound remotely 'overproduced'...

It does with monitor-level headphones and (mostly) lossless files. There's a ton of subtle synth and reverb in there that must have taken a ton of time to get right during production which, to me, defeats the purpose of a minimalist album.

Of course, if I'd only ever heard it over laptop speakers (or stock apples, lol), I'd agree completely.

All that said, it's a great debut album, definitely worth a listen or two, but there's no song on there that's going to have me "coming back", as it were.

I don't really see the point in applying an arbitrary label to an album and then judging it poorly on its failure to meet the arbitrary conditions of that label.

They're OK. I do have one or two of there songs on my playlist.

Originally Posted by Xei

I don't really see the point in applying an arbitrary label to an album and then judging it poorly on its failure to meet the arbitrary conditions of that label.

I order black tea from a cafe renowned for their black tea. Given the reviews, I expect a strong, minimal cup of black tea, but when I receive it I can tell they've added a bit of milk and sugar against my wishes and expectations.

Arguably, the tiny bits of sugar an milk didn't ruin the tea, but it detracted from my overall experience, as my expectations were not met.

Is my "reasoning" ideal or fair? No, but it is what it is, and when I'm in the mood for a cup of straight, black tea, anything beyond that isn't going to strike a chord with me.