Jamie xx - 'In Colour' album review.

Relocation of work, home and everything else in my life has meant it's been over a month since a post... and there has been some seriously good music released since then! Here it goes...

Jamie xx or Jamie Smith as his mother knows him, was born in London in 1988. Most well known for the obvious... his part in 'the xx', alongside his childhood friend Romy Madley Croft. However, despite a good helping of success with the band, he is also known for his remix and dj performances, which includes remixing Adele and Florence. It's this love for electronic sounds that he really homes in on for this record. 5 years in the making, it was often put on the backburner as he focussed on other projects. It is fair to say it doesn't suffer.

This album is as accessible as the xx's albums are. It's quite an art to create albums which are pure and serene yet appeal to a wide audience. Essentially, this plays as an xx album (Romy does appear several times) but with a electronic foundation at its core. Gentle guitar hooks, african beats and atmospheric synths are all married up with beautifully simple yet engaging beats. 

'Gosh' took me surprise on first listen. Probably because it featured the voice sample 'UK Massive' and I actually enjoyed the track. A first for everything! The garage opening is partnered beautifully in the second half of the track with deep and low synths. There is nothing complex here, but it works so well. 'Sleep Sound' follows which is a personal highlight of mine. A track which he has played round with for many years, but edited to perfection for the album. A track which shows the beauty of vocal instrumentation but also the art of a good grove is often relatively simple. 

'SeeSaw' and 'Loud Places' see his pal Romy head up the vocals. We already know her voice compliments his musical style. The latter of those tracks is a real beauty. The guitar outro playing out over the vocals towards the end is highly satisfying. Which is a word you use a lot when describing Jamie's music. He can just strike a chord with you musically. This happens again on penultimate track 'The Rest is Noise". Atmospheric, soaring snynths with nicely timed bass beats, a gentle piano solo and a hell of a lot more. Yet it doesn't feel too much. The art of a lot going on but being gentle on the ears is pure musical talent. 

This album is strong throughout and is perfect for the electronic sceptics out there. The more I hear from him, the more clever and impressive he becomes. He is no stranger to critical acclaim and has already won a mercury prize with the xx. He's already the bookies favourite to pick up another with this effort. 

9/10

Here is single ' Loud Places':

Wolf Alice review to come!