The xx, jj

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More About

• The xx (Band)
• Romy Madley Croft
• Oliver Sim
• Arts, Entertainment, and Media
• Indie Rock and Indie Pop

Despite only being teenagers at the time, the xx (pictured) demonstrated remarkable maturity and diversity on their self-titled debut last year. The London trio's indie rock bears more than a little R&B influence, mixing in a surprising dose of Aaliyah with more predictable traces of the Cure. While their minimalist bent, which borders on downright shyness, is plenty seductive, what's most alluring about the band is the chemistry between the male and female vocalists: The soulful exchanges between Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft provide enough sparks to allow the xx's music to crackle and hiss without ever sneaking beyond their carefully reigned-in affections. Returning to Minneapolis after playing the Triple Rock last fall, the xx are joined by the similarly capital-letter-averse jj. The Swedish duo created a buzz last year simply by revealing next to nothing about their identity, so it will be intriguing to see how they stack up in the flesh. With Nosaj Thing. 18+.
Mon., April 19, 8 p.m., 2010