15. Coexist / The xx

The xx dissipate farther into the darkness on Coexist.  Somehow, the London group scatters into more space, and serves up even more minimalism than their phenomenal self-titled debut.  The spare beauty in this exercise, however, is just how effortless, even natural it all seems.  As if the songs just wisped out from the shadows.

At the same time beguiling and isolating, Coexist is almost an extended metaphor for intimate relationships.  If you could ever just get close enough to truly see the other person.  To have your hearts beat in unison with each other.  "Separate or combine? / I ask you one last time," sings Oliver Sim, to which Romy Madley Croft responds, "Did I hold too tight? / Did I not let enough light in?"

The understated vocal tension between Croft and Sim is intriguing, providing the perfect nighttime passage for lovers.  Where the interpersonal drama never seems to fully resolve itself, the music also hints at beat-filled drops that never come.  Instead, Jamie xx's production is restrained, mirroring the notion that suspense (and sexiness) is sometimes better than actual fulfillment of the real thing.  Stretched out with quiet moments, the record allows for austere rumination over subtle, treasure-filled listens.