What a flawless example of a teaser. With no publicity or previews needed to generate further anticipation for the sophomore album by The xx, the group goes ahead and releases the intro of the long-awaited LP. To be titled Coexist, the reported 11-track album is set to arrive September 11. While that leaves plenty of time for another single or two to appear, for now we are left with “Angels.”
The opening track on Coexist, “Angels” serves as the introduction and precursor to the new feel. Fans of The xx should therefore rejoice and be thrilled as the harbinger brings news of more of the same. Opening with the familiar high-pitched tones used as slowly as ever before, the mood of xx — the debut album — is instantly recreated. Background bass, often hidden behind Romy Madley Croft’s prolonged vocals, is allowed to reverberate with the drawn-out length seen throughout prior work.
It’s clear this South London group knows its sound. While they may stray from this path with portions of Coexist, look for their now-proven style to surface throughout the new album. Fears that the two-year-old departure of guitarist Baria Qureshi would have a lasting effect on songwriting have all but faded.
Producer Jamie Smith, aka Jamie xx, was quoted as far back as last December, through an interview with The Creators Project, regarding his expectations for Coexist. His assurances that this album will have been inspired more by club music than the last only amplifies excitement for the eminent drop that could come as quickly as track 2, seconds after Croft’s voice fades out on “Angels.” Smith’s achievement as producer of Drake and Rihanna’s “Take Care” provides more proof that catchy beats are likely to fill in much of Coexist. This young trio’s recipe for success has been simplicity, and “Angels” certainly followed the instructions. I hope you’re “as in love with” this track “as I am.”