The xx - 'I See You'

9/10

While it has been almost five years since their last studio album, The xx have hardly been twiddling their thumbs in that time. Most notably, Jamie xx released his unbelievably good debut album 'In Colour' back in 2015, and it is clear that the response of that record has had a strong influence on the sound of this new full-length.

While their previous albums, 'xx' and 'Coexist', adopted a very atmospheric and mood-striken direction, it is clear from the off that 'I See You' is aiming to be a far more uplifting and engaging collection of tracks. Rather than look to follow on from their previous sound, the band seem to have taken Jamie's solo album as a template for this new release. With a strong electronic presence and diverse intention, most of this full-length could have easily have been a new Jamie xx release.

While it is certainly very different in style to their previous work, it shows that they have looked to evolve their sound on this latest release. Electronic hooks smother this record in a thick layer of intrigue that helps bring every single track to life in its own way. A beautifully written collection of songs that may just be their masterpiece.

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