A quick perusal of The xx's tour dates shows that tonight Glasgow is in for something of a privilege especially with. Tonight a mere one hundred souls squeeze into the sold out locker below The Captain’s Rest and the sweaty intimacy of the venue is the perfect backdrop for the performance that ensues.
Visually the band are an odd assortment of notably young folks whose look is entirely their own; or rather their lack of a look. Everywhere there is black and everywhere there is jewellery, yet this is fitting, for The xx aren’t about singles and magazine covers. This is a body of songs that have the potential to be about much more.
There’s barely a chord to be seen and the minimalist approach creates a distinctive and immediately intriguing result. The strict beat and staccato guitar stabs in ‘Basic Space’ demonstrate this beautifully and the swapped male/female vocals add a softer layer. ‘Islands’ continues in this mould and has heads nodding vigorously throughout the venue amidst the stripped back number.
Importantly though, the songs on show tonight all have a distinctly personal feel. Lyrics feel like whispered declarations of love and lines like ‘teach me gently how to breathe’ have an intense effect. It’s the marriage of this sentiment to the slow pound of the bass and the deceptively simple guitar lines that are all important. ‘Heart Skipped a Beat’ feels almost uncomfortable to watch in such close proximity; making eye contact with the band and watching the sweat form on their brows. Vocalist Oliver Sim declaring that ‘this is a bit cosy’ doesn’t quite cover it.
It’s only on their cover of ‘Teardrops’ that the tempo lifts beyond a rhythmic thrust and that constant restraint fuels The xx sound. This is their great strength, and they know it, finishing the night with ‘Stars’. At first glance it’s a subdued way to close a set but, like everything on show, the fact that you want more is all important. And everyone in The Captain’s Rest wants more.
Pics: Heidi Kuisma
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