This quartet from South London have established an astonishing original pop sound which delicately drifts across genres. Lead vocalist and guitarist Romy Madley Croft lends slow, feathery melodies into the mic while bassist Oliver Sim fills the gaps with his somewhat stoic responses. Baria Quresh and Jamie Smith artfully drop syncopated drum loops & staccato keyboards, uniting a dreamy potpourri of vibrations that is The xx.

Those fortunate enough to live in or around NYC have the chance to catch three back-to-back CMJ performances next week. The first show goes down at the always intimate Mercury Lounge, October 21st. The second takes place inside the SoHo Apple Store for free, the 22nd. And they will finish off their NY run at the Music Hall of Williamsburg with School of Seven Bells on the 23rd.

Take a peek at The xx’s noir-like music video for “Crystalised” and be sure to keep up with us as we bring you extensive coverage of the jam-packed CMJ Music Marathon.