Having had this album on repeat for 7 days I'm already sure that it's gonna be a contender for album of the year. It's been a long time (5 years) since the last album by The xx, and is some ways this feels more like a follow up or companion piece to 2015's 'In Colour' by Jamie xx than 'Coexist'. It's certainly the most consistently upbeat album they've put out, with some great dance tracks, while even the slower songs sound deeper but somehow less sad than before.
The few samples on here are well chosen - I'm sure you've already enjoyed singing along to Hall & Oates in 'On Hold' - and really add to the warmth of the songs. In the middle there's an (almost) solo song each for Oliver and Romy, where the pace slows a bit before picking up again as the album moves on. I particularly like 'A Violent Noise', which is a bit like a brother to 'Stranger In A Room' and like that track doesn't have any drums on it. the 1-2 of 'On Hold' and 'I Dare You' are a brilliant pair of upbeat tunes and send you on your way, via the melodic 'Test Me', to the end of the album.
I can't really exaggerate how good this record is - from the production to the tunes to the silky vocals there's absolutely nothing wrong with it at all. I bought the vinyl boxset (see pic below) which has a few extra tracks, of which 'Naibe' is the best. But whatever format you prefer just go out and buy it!
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