Coexist - review - The xx

Love songs aren’t subtle. Everything about them is overblown: the emotions, the choruses, the superlatives. So it’s exciting to hear the minimalist U.K. trio approach their new-crush odes with such austerity in Coexist — just a few steady-droning Casios and an 808 rhythm that buh-bumps like a heartbeat. On opener ”Angels,” Romy Madley-Croft repeats the word love like she’s whispering in your ear, explaining what it’s like to fall for someone. By the end, you’ll know exactly how she feels. B+

Best Tracks:
Angels
Chained

• By Melissa Maerz