For lovers of the “dream pop” genre, I couldn’t imagine a better place to be than Merriweather Post Pavilion for last Saturday’s performance by the critically acclaimed artists, The xx and supporting act, Sampha.
UK-based trio, The xx is touring to support their third studio album, I See You, which was released in January of this year. The band’s record label Young Turks, is an independent British label that consists of artists such as FKA twigs, SBTRKT, Jamie xx, and Sampha, their supporting act for the evening. I See You drew widespread acclaim from critics, and the album debuted at the number one spot on the British album charts and reached number two on the Billboard 200 in the US.
Watching The xx perform live evokes just as much emotion as the dramatic tones that inhabit their recordings. The ambiance of their on-stage setup certainly creates an atmosphere all its own. Giant (moving) mirrored panels flank both sides of the stage and cover the center drum/ DJ riser to create a deceivingly infinite space. Falling smoke on the crest of the stage and deep purple lighting only emphasized the moodiness.
The xx’s I See You vinyl LP includes 10 tracks in a debossed mirri board sleeve with a CD copy of the album.
Sampha’s stage set-up was a bit more simple, but just as effective. His electric yet modernized jazz left space for his soulful voice to shine through the mix. Touring to promote his debut album Process, Sampha Sisay will continue to tour with The xx through the US, Australia, Europe, and Japan before closing the year with Jay Z’s Made in America Festival in Philadelphia.
SAMPHA
The xx Setlist:
Say Something Loving
Crystalised
Islands
I Dare You
Lips
Sunset
Basic Space
Performance
Infinity
VCR
Dangerous
Fiction
Shelter
Loud Place (Jamie xx cover)
On Hold
Intro
Angles
