The xx, last night at the Uptown
It can be a gamble to go see a band like the xx play live. Their music is lovely, brooding and atmospheric, very calm and minimalist. So soothing even that when their self-titled debut was released, I used to put it on when I was going to sleep. Singers Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Smith deliver their words in breathy, hushed tones. Percussion is sparse and electronic. The last similar concert gamble I took was with Beach House – and while that was a nice performance, I found my mind wandering. I wouldn’t spend money to do it again, as it was the kind of show that was about as rousing as putting the album on at home and just listening to it at a high volume. And while I was excited at the prospect of seeing the xx and bought my (surprisingly pricey at $45) tickets early, as the show neared, I began having doubts.
