Unsung, but undaunted, the vagabond irregulars of XI have travelled the clued-up small venues of Britain for the last six years.
A month or so ago something unexpected happened.
This fine limited-edition vinyl single, with picture sleeve and mauve disc roundels was issued by Leeds’ ultra-fashionable 48Crash label. A download album is on the way and a download version of the single is on sale.
But if you can trace a copy of this physical single then I recommend swift purchase.
The specific vinyl mix for “Faceless” is a huge affair with foundation-shifting grooves. The opening bars could be a big hair metal band with a tidal surge of bass and coastal-erosion drumming. But a rapid attack by synthesizer cluster bombs and Darren Worth’s blisteringly clear voice turn it into a uniquely heavy pop tune. In the last section John Edward’s guitar rips into its own. At two minutes 29, with (second time of telling) an astonishingly rich mix, there’s plenty in there to keep the adrenaline pumping.
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“Headspace” spreads itself out in the kind of space XI are happiest with on stage. It’s another raid of rock’s biggest sounds, tempered with Bowie/Queen inclinations to write pop songs tough enough to take the head shaking thunder out to the ecelectica club night.
In the process, stools are not so much fallen between as reduced to matchwood. It’s good to hear the excitement of metal and progressive treated seriously and given a good working over in the service of credible songs. You might have heard something comparable in the stuff that COHEED AND CAMBRIA have been doing.
www.xi-uk.com
www.48crash.co.uk
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