After much anticipation, the Mercury Prize winning band The xx, who shot to stardom in 2009, have announced a release date for their new album, I See You.
Having waited four years since the release of their last album, Coexist, fans have finally got to hear some of the band's new material with the chance to listen to the new single 'On Hold', which has been released today.
While the full album won't be available until 13 January 2017, we have listened to 'On Hold', and we're pretty sure the wait will be worth it.
In comparison to their previous material, 'On Hold' is refreshing and more upbeat than some of their more sultry and intimate tracks.
While The xx appear to be taking a slightly different direction, we have every faith that a dreamy video surely can't be too far away?
In a marked change for the trio, the new album was recorded over two years in several different cities and countries, rather than just their native London - New York, Marfa Texas, Reykjavik and Los Angeles to name but a few.
Along with the launch of their new single, the band's website has been updated with memoirs of their travels and time recording with the scattering of polaroid photos, snatches of videos and hand-written lyrics.
The snapshots have a beach-y, slightly grunge LA vibe – could these be hints of what's to come?
The xx's Romy Madley spoke to Julie Adenuga on Beats 1 this morning about how it feels to hear the song on air for the first time:-
'I'm good, I'm really excited, nervous and excited. I'm probably just going to be in my house, and I'm sure I'll get shivers. I've listened to it a lot of times thinking, how can I change it, how can it be different, is this right, is this good? To finally just hear it and let go of it, and for it just be in everyone else's hands, I can't wait.'
To make the wait easier, fans have been treated to the track list.
Keep your eye out in case they decide to release more singles before the official album launch.
1. Dangerous
2. Say Something Loving
3. Lips
4. A Violent Noise
5. Performance
6. Replica
7. Brave For You
8. On Hold
9. I Dare You
10. Test Me
If you can't wait until the new year, The xx are currently touring – though devastatingly not in the UK – and have been booked for several festivals next year, including Lollapalooza in Argentina.
Anyone for a trip to South America?
The single is available to stream and download today from the xx's official site, as well as the opportunity to pre-order the new album.
