Four years and a number of solo projects after their last release, The xx returned with their third album in early 2017, to enthusiastic approval and praise from critics and audiences that sent it straight to pole chart position. The breathing room clearly did them good, and ‘I See You’ shows an ambitious and layered evolution of their sound, while retaining the emotional honesty and captivating beats that make their music so frequently sampled and featured in television and film.
Here's how the trio reacted when they heard the news that they were shortlisted:
Find out how 'I See You' performs at the 2017 Hyundai Mercury Prize at the Eventim Apollo on September 14th. Get your tickets here.