Album Review: I See You by The xx

I always think I'll like The xx more than I do. That's not to say I didn't enjoy listening to this album, I just don't end up getting into it the way I think I will. On this particular album part of it for me is the pace. At some point I just want them to pick it up. They tease around with beats and stuff, but it always stays too restrained for me. In fact maybe that's the problem I have with them in general.

 For some reason I got to thinking about the album See How We Are by X.  That album is also a guy and girl.  And it also has this feel of longing and anxiety strewn through it, but you never feel like they are holding back.  They are letting it all hang out there.  As I've said before when your album makes me think of another album I'd rather listen to then something is off.

Granted these are two completely different sounds.  But if you have been reading this blog and my album reviews you'll know I'm a complete sucker for bands like The xx.  OK so let's pull back then and think of another album that this might bring to mind.  How about Dummy by Portishead.  You might say well what are you talking about, that album defines restraint.  I would disagree.  Is it subdued, is it restrained.  Yes, but at it's heart it is all out.  When you listen to Dummy you certainly don't feel like any emotion is being held back.  The vocals, the music all of it is yes restrained, but at the same time boiling like mad under the surface and you feel it.

Following the Rhapsody rating method I give it 2 out of 5 stars for Not Bad.