The xx – ‘I See You’ album review

Arriving with an intensity of raw emotion and an expanded musical horizon, English indie pop band The xx released their third studio album “I See You” on Jan. 13.

The album features 10 songs and lacks collaboration with other artists. While The xx kept their original electronic and dream pop motifs, the elements behind their new music are amplified to showcase the amalgamation of unrequited affection and the fortitude to continue on. The subtle vocals between members Romy Croft and Oliver Sim allows the music to evolve without being drowned by the synth, guitar, or bass, thus it’s able to carry each song uniquely. Cohesively, the album suffuses the fervent attributes of each song underneath the genre, maintaining the movement and balance that encapsulates it all.

The lead promotional single, “On Hold,” speaks of the distance between two partners in a relationship. Even though the dregs of endearment linger, the hastened foundation of happiness and the icy sentiments only brings to fruition the reality of separation. The track’s rhythm, although carrying a solemn message, is accompanied by a subdued instrumentation that suits the song fantastically. Vocally, Sim and Croft, with their alternating duo throughout the song, evoke the underlying tone of estrangement flawlessly.

“A Violent Noise” discusses the experience of unwavering dismay, where a relationship has become damaged through the vicious tension. Any connection is then engulfed by egotism and each “beat comes a violent noise.” The exhibition of dismay through the lyrics presents a message of isolation, tying itself greatly to the rest of the album and adding the dose of cohesion that benefits it. The simple electronic elements propel the lyrics forward with the tempo and maintain a level that doesn’t feel over-eccentric. Phenomenally, the combination of the song’s many attributes incorporate to produce an extraordinary sound and lyrical message.  

As a whole, “I See You,” incorporates The xx’s original themes and sounds seamlessly within its own original style, while closely adhering to the indie pop label. As the messages within the lyrics are fueled by the vocals and smooth instrumentation, each representation is conveyed marvelously without an unnecessary cadence. In all, the album offers the revitalized edition of the band’s usual, uninhibited tones, culminating beneath a new musical expansion.