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Well, it seems another month has passed us, this time taking yet another year with it. Time really does fly! As you are likely aware, another month means another band to cover here at The Sound Faction, January being my choise... Therefore, Id like to introduce you all to a new obsessions of mine: The XX.

I became aware of them through a dear friend of mine, when she insisted that I look into one of The XX's more widely known tracks, "Crystalised". It was a pleasant surprise to find a refreshingly unique sound, held together by two even more delectable voices. One, masculine, and sultry; the other, feminine, sharp, and seductive.

After looking farther into them later that same day I quickly decided two things:

1) It wasnt just Crystalised; all of the band's tracks had completely conquered that chilly, smooth, Indie sound. They had two singers; a man and a woman, and they used them to every advantage that they could.

2) I loved them.

When I picked The XX for January's band of the Month, I felt that they would be a perfect choice, seeing as their icy sound would juxtapose perfectly with the month's cold temperatures. Maybe you live somewhere a little warmer, and dont really feel it. However, I myself am a citizen of Alberta, Canada. We get winter for nearly eight months a year, and have snow up the ass for nearly six of them! A colder band seemed suitable.

Although I have listened to nearly all The XX's songs, Crystalised still stands out to me as one of their greatest. It starts as really slow paced, and kind of builds as you get farther into it, all the while holding a very strong bass. However, what really stood out to me was how the female and male singers were taking turns purring out their bits of the song during the verse segments, until later into the track when without any form of warning, they each began singing one of two previously heard verses, at the same time! I was awe-struck at how something so simple, could sound so beautiful! If you decide that you are going to look into this band, please please please do not skip Crystalised. You wont be disappointed.

Another track I was very impressed with was Infinity, which is slower than Crystalised, and slightly drowsier. Although it still has the same cold feel, Infinity has slightly sweeter vocals. It isnt as catchy as Crystalised, but still worth checking out.

This band is quite unique, theyve got an aquired taste and are probably not for everyone, but give them a try!

January is the perfect month for the XX: mellow, with an understated soul-ish feeling.

I first heard the XX as my husband listened to them while vacuuming. At first, I wasn't too into their sound, because I heard was mumbling and strange, electric music. I had a chance to sit down and have a real listen to them, and the more I listened, the more I dug the XX. The lyrics, combined with a mellow, jazzy sound with a hit of soul, are perfect for cold, gray, snowy days (yes, we get those in Virginia), or curling up with a good book and a hot beverage of your choosing. Off of their current myspace offerings, I have to say that "Islands" and "Crystalised" are my two favorites, but I also love "Heart Skipped a Beat" off of their self titled album.

So, if you need some mellowing this month to recover from the festivities of December, definitely check out the XX. They are the perfect soundtrack for a mellow month like January.

I first heard about The XX from Doctah J, she mentioned them to us a while ago, and in having faith in Doc's musical tastes, I went out and nabbed their record. Upon first listening to them I immediately fell in love. It's good music to just chill out to, and I've found that I listen to them a lot on gray rainy days.

They have a mellow sound, along the lines of Coma Cinema, Sun Hotel, or Circlesquare. I've come to love the airy vocals of The XX and the slightly new-wave feel to the songs. I highly recommend checking out "Crystalised", "Vcr", "Heart Skipped A Beat" and "Infinity". But you know the drill, don't take our word for it, head over to their MySpace page and take a listen for yourself, see what you think!