XX (Vinyl)
Debuts as fully formed and confident as the xx's self-titled first album are rare, but then, there is very little that is typical about this band or their music. Their influences are wide-ranging - traces of post-punk, dream pop, dubstep, indie pop, and R&B pop up at any given moment - but are focused into songs that are as simple as they are unique and mysterious.
While the band's subtlety and consistency threaten to work against them at times, XX is still a remarkable debut that rewards repeated listens and leaves listeners wanting more.
All Music (5 Stars)