The XX live at Astra, Berlin

Although The XX were said to be one of the by the NME‘s „bands to watch out for next year“ in late 2008, no one could have anticipated this rocket-like rise of London’s minimalists through 2009.

Now in January 2010, it was already the third time the – now – three friends had been floating to Berlin. But this evening was supposed to be a special one, because The XX even played two sold out shows in a row at Astra. Trailer Trash Tracys challenged the opening, but presented their alike pragmatic songs in a clearly less charming way. Anyway the favorable audience was nothing but waiting for the band of the evening.

Fully dressed in understatement the 19-years old teenagers entered the stage. After a short moment of rest they pervaded the room with touching warmth by playing the catchy „Intro“ and „Crystalized“. The listeners were freezed with emotions and vulnaribility and only got pulled out of this dreamworld by a few hard but well-placed beats till the end of the concert. It seemed that nothing could ever disturb the harmony between Romy, Oliver and Jamie. So they strolled through their songs with a blind-folded understanding. The only add-on of the quite short concert was „Stars“ including a star-spattered sky appearing above the stage.

In order to prepare their second part of the evening, The XX released their audience with a feeling of inner warmth into the freezing night.

Until today’s evening, 9pm, you can visit the sound sculpture of the band at .HBC, Berlin, although it’s sadly rather sparsely and uncharitably presented. We recommend to go there after the sunset anyway.

FOTOS: Christoph Paul