2010. The xx, 'xx'
Who were they? London trio The xx are a nocturnal indie project formed by Jamie Smith. Their debut record 'xx' was mystical, minimalistic and accessible, influenced by the pop melodies of the previous decade and the production of Four Tet and Burial, who had both been to the same school with Smith.
Was it an entirely outrageous choice? Half the music world love The xx, and the other half think they're a bit boring. There wasn't anything on the list half as well-produced though, and the songcraft of the record is arguably as good as the likes of 'Wake Up the Nation' by Paul Weller and 'The Sea' by Corinne Bailey Rae. Chilled-out, electronica-influenced pop has made somewhat of a resurgence in the last couple of years though, which just goes to prove that The xx weren't an utterly bizarre choice.
What have they done since? Jamie xx is maybe the most sought-after producer in pop, and has leant his magic hands to Drake, Rihanna and Gil-Scott Heron. Second effort 'Coexist' built upon the dreamscapes of the debut, and though it didn't earn as much praise as 'xx', it's seen the band become somewhat of a phenomenon. This year, they hosted their own festival, Night + Day in London, Berlin and Lisbon and contributed easily the best track of Jay-Z's abysmal 'Great Gatsby' soundtrack.