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The xx: “Angels” (2 of 5)
Oliver Sim has mentioned that Coexist is influenced heavily by dance music, which makes its first single, “Angels”, both unexpected and welcome. The xx often explore a dark kind of beauty, one that is obscured by a hazy and cavernous atmosphere. “Angels” draws on that affinity. It focuses on Romy Madley-Croft’s voice and her story of passionate love. Like much of their work, the stark soundscape is best suited to a contemplative time of the day; a time when distractions are minimal and soul-searching abounds. Jamie xx’s minimal percussion rumbles in the background as the gaunt guitar melody unfolds. Madley-Croft’s voice is the center of the arrangement but its the small instrumental touches that contribute to the song’s haunting ethos. Its a beautiful song but one can’t help but imagine that it is only a small inkling of the territory that will be covered by their new album. The song ends and, as lovely as it is, it is clear that it is only the first taste of something much more groundbreaking. –– Drew Malmuth
