The xx is an influential English indie rock band hailing from Wandsworth, London, established in 2005. Known for their unique minimalist sound, the group blends elements of indie rock, indie electronic, dream pop, and electro-rock, characterized by soft echoed guitars, prominent bass lines, and ambient soundscapes. The band consists of Romy Madley Croft, who provides guitar and vocals, Oliver Sim on bass guitar and vocals, and Jamie Smith, also recognized as Jamie xx, who contributes beats, MPC, and record production. The dual-vocalist dynamic between Madley Croft and Sim has played a significant role in defining their distinctive musical style.

The origins of The xx trace back to the Elliott School, where Madley Croft and Sim met while studying. Baria Qureshi joined the group in 2006, alongside Smith. The band began to gain traction after sharing their demos on Myspace, which caught the attention of the Beggars Group-owned label Young Turks. Their debut album, titled xx, released in August 2009, marked a pivotal moment in their career. The album received widespread critical acclaim, achieving commercial success by reaching number three on the UK Albums Chart and winning the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2010. It was also highly praised by major publications, ranking first in The Guardian's best of the year list and second in NME's.

Following the success of their debut album, Qureshi departed from the band, leaving Madley Croft, Sim, and Smith to continue as a trio. Their sophomore album, Coexist, was released on September 5, 2012, and solidified their place in the music industry by debuting at number one in the UK and number five on the Billboard 200. The album received positive reviews, demonstrating the band's ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their signature style.

After a four-year hiatus during which Jamie xx released his solo debut album, In Colour, The xx returned with their third studio album, I See You, on January 13, 2017. This release was met with critical acclaim, debuting at number one in the UK and number two on the Billboard 200. The album showcased a more evolved sound while retaining the core elements that fans had come to love.

As of now, The xx remains a prominent figure in the indie music scene, continually influencing emerging artists with their innovative approach and sound. Their ability to blend various genres and maintain a minimalist yet emotionally resonant style has earned them a dedicated fan base and critical recognition, reflecting their lasting impact on contemporary rock music.