New Track: “Chained” – The xx

The UK’s xx have become one of the most watched bands in the world, when it comes to releasing new material. Likely because their debut LP was a virtually universally loved, surprise hit concocted by a group of incredibly young musicians that ended up winning the Mercury Music Prize. Further, that LP dropped in 2009, making it quite some time to wait for such an acclaimed band to give us more. Leading up to the release of the xx’s second album, Coexist, blogs have simply gone nuts with posting every live debut of every new song by the band. “Chained” marks the second more official release of an album cut. The track proves that the xx are still in their groove, crafting airy, pulsing, minimalist electronic pop. If this one, and the previous single, “Angels,” are indicators, fans haven’t waited in vain.