Exactly what was needed to save us from 2016.
Anticipation for new music from The xx has been high ever since 2012’s Coexist, and the time since has seen producer Jamie Smith (aka Jamie xx) become a solo success through releases with the likes of Young Thug and the release of Mercury-nominated debut record In Colour. ‘On Hold,’ the first snippet of January’s I See You, brings with it an updated sound that appears inspired by that album, emphasised by the use of sampling and warping to modernity of ‘I Can’t Go For That’ by Hall & Oates in the break.
The title itself is quite suitable, nodding to how the band has been silent and to the track’s feeling of being left hanging thanks to a perfect blend of a mellow drop and the vocal duets between Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim. A perfect cocktail of old and new for people who loved the trio’s old material or even preferred Jamie by himself, ‘On Hold’ is ideal to get excited for a new year and a new album.
‘On Hold’ is out now via Young Turks
