The xx Release First Track in Four Years: 'On Hold'

After releasing only brief snippets of music over the last few weeks melancholy dance faves The xx have finally released, "On Hold" their first new track in four years. It’s a wonderful return to form for the band since the lukewarm critical reaction to their last album Coexist. Building off an inspired sample from Hall And Oates’s 80s hit "I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)", "On Hold" features the classic xx girl/boy vocal interplay, ethereal guitar tones and a bouncing bass line that all sit perfectly amidst lyrics about drifting apart after young passion goes cold. Produced by Jamie xx and Rodaidh McDonald, the song is brimming with an energy that has seemingly eluded the band in their past releases. It’s a nice change of pace and something that feels more in line with Jamie xx’s 2015 solo release In Colour.  "On Hold" is textured, mature and offers the perfect mix of head bopping and heartbreak. This all adds to the anticipation for what’s to come when the band drop their new album, I See You, January 13^th.