The xx announce new album ‘I See You’ - hear first track ‘On Hold’

After an excruciating campaign of teasers, it’s here - The xx have announced their third album.

Titled ‘I See You’, the record’s being led by first single ‘On Hold’, a sprawling, Hall and Oates’ ‘I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)’-sampling, huge step up. The record’s a co-production between Jamie ‘xx’ Smith himself, and XL’s go-to production wünderkind Rodaidh McDonald, put to tape between March 2014 and August 2016 in New York, Marfa in Texas, Reykjavik, Los Angeles and London

“We know these are uncertain times and we hope the joy & love we found making the record will get out into the world, in however small a way,” say the band in a typically short-but-sweet statement.

It’s set for a regular release, as well as an exclusive, indie records stores only special edition. That’ll feature 10 tracks on limited-edition clear vinyl, in a “debossed mirri board sleeve” (yeah, we dunno either. Sounds nice though).

There’s also a super special vinyl box set, which will also feature “an extra 12” including 3 bonus tracks, album CD, enhanced CD featuring a live video of bonus track ‘Brave For You (Marfa Demo)’ and 3 exclusive prints by Alasdair McLellan.” All the xx you can handle, then.

It follows a few weeks that’s seen The xx release a bunch of short drips of new material. Details of ‘I See You’ leaked earlier this week, too. The xx take to Annie Mac’s show on BBC Radio 1 tonight for a live performance and a little chat on ‘I See You’. Tune into that from 7pm - they’ll then be taking to Beats 1 for an interview with Julie Adenuga from 8pm.

Give ‘On Hold’ a spin below ‘I See You”s tracklisting. It’s released 13th January via Young Turks, with The xx heading out on a bunch of tour dates in far flung, rarely-visited locales, starting later this month. Dates for that are below the player.

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