Two voices better than one?

When Gomez burst onto the scene in 1998, a defining part of their resounding debut, Bring it On, was the multiple vocalists. It differentiated them from the others. Each of the three lead vocalists was strong enough to carry a song solo, but together they truly shone. It was certainly not a new formula, but they carried it out perfectly and it has served them successfully through their career ever since that emphatic debut.

It’s also a formula that’s becoming less popular and harder to pull off. Not so with The xx. Sure, the male/female combination is an easy win. Nonetheless, Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft have produced a precious double act. Individually, their voices lull you into a deep, ponderous dream. Combined, the speakers exude palpable energy. Perhaps the fact that they’re apparently best friends helps, because they also seem to know when to rein each other in. Sim’s muted harmonies harness Croft’s anguish without robbing her of her moment. Equally, when Sim needs a lift, Croft answers with measured intensity.

Like Bring It On 11 years ago, there’s a lot to love about this eponymous debut, but nothing more so than the exquisite tones trembling through the microphones.