The xx

Minimalist indie rockers The xx picked up the Mercury Music Prize in 2010 for their eponymous debut, an album of hushed, melancholy songs steeped in the influence of The Cure, Young Marble Giants and contemporary R&B. Though its charms have since been dulled by over-familiarity, it was an impressive opening gambit, and also one that begged the question: where next? The answer, it turns out, is simple: hit the club. Following the example of resident beatmaker Jamie XX, who's now an in-demand DJ and remixer in his own right, the group are apparently embracing more of a dance influence on sophomore album Coexist, which should at least placate the critics (including this one) who complained that their live show was a bit too mopey first time around.