The xx take to their biggest stage yet at Glastonbury 2017

The opening bars to The xx’s ‘Intro’, the first track from their debut album, have become instantly recognisable, and never less chilling than when heard for the first time. From the moment they ring out over Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage this evening, the huge crowd are all theirs. Coasting into ‘Crystalised’ and recent single ‘Say Something Loving’, the trio completely command their huge slot before headliners Radiohead. Helmed by the skittish beats of Jamie xx, tracks from debut album ‘xx’ are beefed up and made oddly danceable, while the band’s adaption of Jamie’s solo track ‘Loud Places’ is greeted like an anthem. For a band who famously emerged saying that they made music for themselves, and had no care for success or outside praise, tonight’s set is perfectly crafted for its audience, soaring through hit after hit and continuing their almost baffling (while not being undeserved) rise to being festival headliners. Don’t bet against them making that step at Glastonbury very soon indeed.