Tonight in Seattle: The xx at the Showbox!

The xx, Jacques Greene @ Showbox at the Market | 7/25 | SOLD OUT | Doors at 7p.m. | All-Ages, Bar w/I.D.

Photo via The xx

Preview by Tiffany Wan:

It’s hard to believe that nearly three years have passed since The xx released its self-titled debut album. Hauntingly sparse, the combined forces of Romy Madley Croft’s seductive voice, Oliver Sim’s menacing counter vocals, and the masterful production of Jamie Smith coalesced into the most talked about album of 2009.

At just over two minutes long, “Intro” still stands as the band’s signature calling card: A single guitar melody that intertwines with thick keyboard lines, joined shortly by a jarring snare and kick drum-driven beat, finished off with barely-there vocals that mark the climax of a simplistic masterpiece. It set a strong, aesthetic focus for the epic and moody collection of songs that made up xx.

The band spent the better part of 2010 and 2011 winning awards and performing around the globe before finally beginning to lay groundwork on a much-anticipated follow-up. Coexist finds The xx revisiting old patterns, which isn’t a bad thing at all. The first single, “Angels,” features Croft singing about desire in hushed tones over a spare yet bright guitar line and distant-sounding drums. It’s the prelude to what promises to be another undeniably brilliant album.

The xx will play to a sold-out crowd at the Showbox at the Market on Wednesday, July 25. Montreal-based producer Jacques Greene will open.