GO SLOW.

The XX are a new breed of bright young things. The South London teenagers pen dark, atmospheric compositions that demonstrate a natural songwriting ability far beyond their collective years, crafting songs that stay with you long after they’ve run their course. Introductory single “Crystalised” is one of the more breathtaking debuts we’ve heard in this or any other year, its spacious production and minimal arrangement giving way to the male-female vocal interplay that takes center stage as our subjects trade verses back and forth, stepping on one another’s lines with a calculated grace to brilliant effect. The XX recently finished recording their debut album in the brand new one room studio at XL Recordings‘ Notting Hill headquarters and its currently being readied for release through Young Turks this September. XL have gambled (and lost?) on teenage bands before, but if “Crystalised” is any indication they’re onto a surefire winner here.

MP3: “Crystalised” – The XX

In other news, everyone’s favorite song from SXSW is now up for free download over at Domino Records. Don’t sleep.