Continuing our highlights from Day 3 of FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL 2013…
THE XX were one of the final bands to perform at Fuji Rock 2013, and they closed the evening with a show to be remembered, bestowing hauntingly beautiful indie melodies upon a dedicated audience who chose to see them instead of coinciding rock enigmas The Cure, a group which The xx cites as being one of their major influences.
The furtive movements, moody lighting and signature melancholy tunes all combined to make a powerfully moving experience, and the chemistry between Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim at times was palpable. At one point the two moved to the centre of the stage and played facing each other, almost touching with heads down and all lights shining upon them, making for a beautiful scene for a beautiful melody.
Forming in London in 2005, The xx began as a four-piece before splitting from Baria Qureshi in 2009, leaving them a trio consisting of Romy on guitar and vocals, Oliver on vocals and bass and Jamie Smith (aka Jamie xx) responsible for the electronic beats and keys. The group released their first self-titled album in 2009 for which they received universal praise and acclaim, resulting in them received the Mercury Music Prize. This achievement completely propelled the group to stardom, earning them nominations for Best British Album and Best British Band in 2011 at the BRIT Awards and selling thousands upon thousands of CDs. The XX were also chosen by Matt Groening to play at All Tomorrow’s Parties in England, 2010.
Their second effort “Coexist” emerged in September 2012 with a more dancy electronic vibe than their previous release. They were again nominated for Best British Group, and were able to play to massive audiences at Bestival as well as their own curated concerts in Berlin, Lisbon and London complete with live performances and DJ sets.
On Sunday, they closed their set with a stunning performance of hit track “Angels,” rounding off a truly magical show and festival as a whole. Next up, The xx have shows organised for the US, as well as a South America tour taking them to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, among others.