The XX
For a band with as large a cult following and impressively stellar collection of songs as The XX have at their disposal, to be shunted into a mid-afternoon slot in the wilderness confines of The Bloggers Delight stage could easily be perceived as a slight. For the four shy, dark shapes on stage, however, it’s a blessing in disguise. Free from the glaring spotlight of a larger venue, the small, packed tent provides a perfect location for their achingly beautiful brand of exquisitely bleak pop. All clad in black and standing in a fixed mechanical line like four unblinking statues, they toss out crowd pleasers such as ‘Infinity’ and ‘Heart Skips A Beat’ with impressive nonchalance, but it’s a mesmerising rendition of ‘Crystalised’ that really freezes the heart and quickens the pulse. As lead singers Romy and Oliver’s vocals intertwine like silky threads of gossamer, the idea that The XX won’t be massive seems almost laughable. Only a fool would bet against them returning next year on a grander stage. BH