In a musical world that is increasingly dominated by maximalism, layered production, and overstimulation, The xx emerged as a profound contradiction, quiet, minimal, and emotionally bare.
Originating from South London, this trio comprising Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim, and Jamie Smith (better known as Jamie xx), crafted a unique sonic identity rooted in silence, space, and subtle intensity.
Their music operates in the gaps between notes, where longing, vulnerability, and introspection unfold gently rather than explosively.
Since their 2005 formation, The xx have pushed the boundaries of indie pop, drawing influence from post-punk, R&B, electronic, and ambient traditions while remaining unmistakably original. Their debut album, xx (2009), was a defining moment for 21st-century music, and their continued evolution has balanced intimacy with experimentation.
As solo paths briefly pulled them apart, their creative chemistry has always been the gravitational force holding them together.
Origins and Formation (2005–2009)
The story of The xx begins in the corridors of the Elliott School in Putney, South London, a public school that inadvertently became a cradle for boundary-pushing musicians like Burial, Hot Chip, and Four Tet.
In 2005, Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim, two shy teenagers with a shared love for emotionally rich and genre-blurring music, began writing and performing songs together.
They were later joined by guitarist/keyboardist Baria Qureshi and beatmaker Jamie Smith, completing the quartet that would give rise to The xx.
Early on, their creative ethos was clear: less is more. Rather than compete with the high-energy anthems dominating pop charts, they opted for soft-spoken duets, hushed guitars, and minimal production.
Their self-recorded demos, often made in garages or bedrooms, were circulated on MySpace, garnering a modest but dedicated following. These stripped-back recordings caught the attention of the indie label Young Turks, an imprint of XL Recordings.
Their quiet revolution was underway. Unlike many emerging acts, The xx weren’t looking to dazzle with volume or theatrics. Instead, they focused on what wasn’t said, what wasn’t played; a musical form of restraint that made their early material deeply personal and emotionally potent.
By the time they entered the studio to record their debut album, The xx had established not only a musical identity but also a shared aesthetic rooted in monochrome visuals, emotional honesty, and introversion. The pieces were in place for their understated explosion into the mainstream.
xx (2009)
Released in August 2009, xx was a minimalist masterpiece that quietly redefined indie music for a new generation. The album, produced by Jamie xx, combined sparse guitar melodies with muted electronic beats and raw, conversational lyrics delivered in understated harmony by Romy and Oliver.
Its opening track, “Intro,” became an unexpected global anthem, widely used in films, commercials, and sports broadcasts, and this was despite its lack of lyrics.
Tracks like “Crystalised,” “Islands,” and “VCR” further showcased the band’s signature style: emotionally direct, musically restrained, and hauntingly beautiful. The album wasn’t flashy, but its subdued intensity struck a chord with listeners seeking something more introspective and emotionally grounded.
Critics hailed xx as a landmark debut. It received widespread praise for its innovation and intimacy, earning spots on numerous year-end “best of” lists. In 2010, the album won the prestigious Mercury Prize, cementing The xx’s place in the pantheon of modern British music.
The success of xx was bittersweet. While it catapulted them into the limelight, it also exposed cracks within the band.
In late 2009, Baria Qureshi left the group under unclear circumstances, rumored to be due to exhaustion and creative differences. From then on, The xx continued as a trio, with Jamie xx assuming a more prominent role as producer and sound architect.
Coexist (2012)
Three years later, The xx returned with Coexist, a more subdued but emotionally deeper follow-up. Released in 2012, the album retained the band’s core minimalist aesthetic but introduced subtler rhythmic influences that were drawn from Jamie xx’s growing interest in electronic music.
Where xx often dealt with the discovery of romantic tension, Coexist explored its aftermath; loss, ambiguity, and emotional distance.
The lead single “Angels” opened the album with Romy’s breathy delivery over a solitary guitar riff, setting a tone of emotional desolation. “Chained” followed with a looping beat and lyrical duality, echoing the unresolved push-and-pull of a fading relationship.
Critics were divided. Some praised the album’s refinement and maturity, while others found it too restrained, yearning for a more pronounced evolution.
Yet, in commercial terms, Coexist was a success, debuting at number one in the UK and top ten in the US. It also solidified The xx’s reputation as a band deeply committed to emotional truth over musical theatrics.
The accompanying tour featured more elaborate visuals and lighting, signaling the group’s tentative embrace of a larger stage presence. However, their focus remained on music as conversation, a slow dance between vulnerability and reserve.
During this period, the three members began pursuing individual creative identities. Jamie xx, in particular, was rapidly building a name for himself as a producer and DJ, laying the groundwork for his solo breakout. Still, the trio remained committed to The xx, even as personal growth led them into different sonic territories.
I See You (2017)
By the time I See You was released in 2017, The xx were no longer the quiet outsiders, they were modern icons of indie music. This third album marked their most dramatic shift in sound, infused with vibrant samples, dynamic beats, and an emotional expansiveness that hadn’t been as prominent before.
Jamie xx’s acclaimed solo debut, In Colour (2015), had clearly influenced the group’s approach. Tracks like “On Hold,” which sampled Hall & Oates, featured brighter melodies and more extroverted production. Romy and Oliver, too, displayed more confidence in their vocal performances, addressing themes of acceptance, growth, and reconciliation.
“I See You” was less about isolation and more about connection. It reflected a band no longer hiding in the shadows but stepping into the light. Critics praised the album for its evolution and warmth, calling it a bold yet natural progression for a band that had always thrived on quiet transformation.
Touring for I See You was their most ambitious yet, including headline slots at major festivals and a sold-out global tour. Fans noticed a new pattern where they were less introverted, more open, yet still unmistakably The xx. For the first time, the band seemed to be enjoying the spotlight.
After touring wrapped, the band took an extended hiatus to focus on solo projects and recharge. What came next wasn’t a breakup, but a divergence, each member exploring new avenues while keeping the door open for future collaboration.
Solo Ventures and Hiatus (2018–2023)
Following the success of I See You, each member of The xx turned inward, pursuing personal creative paths. Jamie xx, already an in-demand producer, released solo singles like “Idontknow” and collaborated with artists like Headie One and Popcaan.
His DJ sets and electronic production showcased a growing confidence and adaptability, making him one of the most respected figures in contemporary electronic music.
Romy Madley Croft embraced her identity more publicly, coming out as queer and releasing solo tracks that fused dance-pop and queer storytelling. Her 2023 debut solo album, Mid Air, received acclaim for its emotional honesty and club-ready energy. Songs like “Strong” and “Loveher” combined vulnerability with rhythm, signaling her evolution as a solo artist.
Oliver Sim also stepped into the spotlight with his own debut album, Hideous Bastard (2022), a raw exploration of shame, identity, and HIV stigma. The album was part musical and part cinematic, accompanied by a short film directed by Yann Gonzalez. Sim’s work was praised for its bravery and introspection, adding another layer to the band’s legacy.
Despite their solo endeavors, all three maintained that The xx had not disbanded. The hiatus allowed them to grow individually, while still preserving the creative connection that brought them together. In interviews, they spoke fondly of returning to the studio “when the time feels right,” a sentiment that kept fans hopeful.
What’s Next for The xx?
As of 2025, The xx are reportedly working on new material, though details remain scarce. In interviews, the members have hinted at writing sessions and informal collaborations, but no release date has been announced. What is certain is that their time apart has enriched their perspectives, allowing each to bring new strengths back into the fold.
Speculation suggests that their next album may blend the euphoric highs of In Colour and Mid Air with the emotional depth of xx and Coexist. Fans can expect a more confident, perhaps more experimental sound, less confined by the minimalist label and more expansive in mood and rhythm.
The band’s future could also include more multimedia elements, as both Romy and Oliver have shown interest in film, and Jamie continues to push boundaries in sound design. Whatever form their return takes, The xx are poised to once again reimagine the possibilities of pop music, not through volume, but through depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who are the members of The xx?
Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim, and Jamie Smith (Jamie xx).
2. When was The xx formed?
The band formed in 2005 in South London.
3. What genre is The xx?
Their music blends indie pop, minimalist rock, electronic, and R&B influences.
4. What was their debut album?
xx, released in 2009.
5. What awards has The xx won?
Notably, they won the 2010 Mercury Prize for xx.
6. Why did Baria Qureshi leave the band?
She left in 2009 due to personal and creative differences.
7. What is Jamie xx’s role in the band?
He is the producer, beatmaker, and often handles electronic instrumentation.
8. Has Jamie xx released solo music?
Yes, his solo debut In Colour was released in 2015.
9. Did Romy release a solo album?
Yes, Mid Air was released in 2023.
10. Did Oliver Sim release solo music?
Yes, Hideous Bastard was released in 2022.
11. Are The xx still together?
Yes, they are currently on hiatus but have not disbanded.
12. Is new music coming from The xx?
They have confirmed writing sessions, though no official release date has been set.
13. What are their most popular songs?
“Intro,” “Crystalised,” “Angels,” “On Hold,” and “VCR.”
14. Where are they from?
South London, United Kingdom.
15. What is their record label?
Young Turks (an imprint of XL Recordings).
16. Are Romy and Oliver a couple?
No, they are close friends and musical partners.
17. What are common themes in their lyrics?
Love, loss, emotional distance, intimacy, and identity.
18. Do they collaborate with other artists?
Yes, especially Jamie xx, who has worked with Drake, Adele, and Headie One.
19. How many albums have The xx released?
Three studio albums: xx (2009), Coexist (2012), and I See You (2017).
20. What is the significance of their name?
It’s a simple, ambiguous symbol that reflects their understated identity.
21. Why is “Intro” so popular?
Its haunting, instrumental style made it ideal for TV, films, and advertisements.
22. Where can I follow their latest updates?
Their official website, social media platforms, and their label Young Turks.
