The XX Close Tour With Friendly Fires in New York

Posted on Dec 6th 2009 5:00PM by Ginny Yang
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The XX and Friendly Fires played New York's Webster Hall Saturday night to a packed audience that included St. Vincent and Spoon frontman Britt Daniel. The sets from the U.K. labelmates stood in stark contrast to each other, with the former playing its hushed, evocative melodies and the latter charging the crowd with dance-disco hits.

The stylish opener, now a trio following the recent departure of guitarist Baria Qureshi, played before two glowing 'x's that blinked to songs off their self-titled debut album. "It's a pleasure to be back here. It feels like home," said singer and bassist Oliver Sim. The trio stood solemnly as singer and guitarist Romy Madley Croft delivered her sultry vocals with Oliver during the set.

But for the final song, 'Infinity,' they beamed the stage lights at the audience and Sim attacked a cymbal that was placed at the center of the platform.

If the XX were focused on creating the mood, then Friendly Fires were all about creating movement. The dynamic band brought out backup horn players for the performance, and singer Ed Macfarlane and guitarist Edd Gibson spent the entire set scuttling across the stage, fist-pumping and leading a clap-along as pastel-colored lights swirled around them. Drummer Jack Savidge even got up from his kit to dance next to Gibson for 'On Board.'

The band also played 'Lovesick,' 'Jump in the Pool,' 'Paris' and 'Ex-Lover' during the night, and the fervor from the audience only heightened when Gibson jumped into the crowd to join the revelry.