I woke up feeling so excited for the day. I will be watching The xx! OH MY GOD.
I have been watching local bands since college, but most of the time it was at malls where entry was free. I can count on my fingers the times I’ve actually bought tickets to a concert.
This is also the first time I’ll be watching an international act. Well, maybe not actually the first time—I think I’ve caught a few international artists performing in Glorietta or somewhere before, but it wasn’t for anyone I really followed.
Back in 2013, The xx came here. I was really planning to go since the venue was near my office, but it was a Tuesday and it fell on a payroll day, so I couldn’t make it.
Fast forward to 2018: I bought Patron C tickets at the World Trade Center, right near my place. Everything was falling into place—it was a Wednesday, and it wasn’t a payroll day for me.
So, I went alone without eating or bringing a drink. I thought they would sell food at the venue, but no—only beer was available. So there I was, standing near the bleachers on an empty stomach. The show was supposed to start at 8:00 PM, but for some reason, they started 40 minutes late.
They started with “Dangerous.” Though I wasn't familiar with it at first, it was upbeat, loud, and a great way to start the show. Next was "Islands." Finally, a song I knew! I actually got goosebumps. It’s quite different from their newer sound—so simple, yet with such a unique arrangement. It's a song about fully committing oneself to another person. Then came “Say Something Loving,” a song about feeling infatuated with someone while wondering if those feelings are actually real.
Next was “Crystalised.” This was the very first song I ever heard from them. I was sooooo happy and grooving along with the crowd. Oliver gave a short spiel in that incredibly unique voice of his. Before playing “Reunion,” he said: “I can really tell this is going to be a very good one. Thank you so much for being here, it means the world to us, so we’ve done something special. This next song, this is the first time we’ve played it in five years.”
Then came “A Violent Noise,” a song about moments when everything feels like too much and you just need to "silence the noise." That was followed by “I Dare You,” one of their singles—Millie Bobby Brown was actually in the music video! It’s another catchy, upbeat track that just makes you want to move.
Before playing “Performance,” Romy said: “Thank you for singing along with us, that was really beautiful. This next song means a lot to me and I’m gonna be playing it on my own.” Since it’s so special to her, she performed it completely solo. No special effects—just her enchanting voice and guitar.
Next was “Replica,” a powerful duet about either repeating or breaking away from your parents' mistakes. Afterward, Oliver smiled and said, “Can you keep a secret, Manila? You’ve been my favorite on this tour!” I know artists probably say that in every country they visit, but for some reason, I felt like he was telling the truth. No BS!
Then they played “VCR,” which starts with that simple, xylophone-like sound. It was easily one of my favorite performances from their entire set.
Oliver also said, “This is a place where you can leave anything that is causing you pain at home and just enjoy yourself here.” I couldn't help but let my emotions out for a moment. I’ve been going through some stuff, so hearing him say that meant a lot to me.
Jamie wasn’t left out either—he had his own moment when he played “Loud Places” and “Intro.” “On Hold” was no doubt a crowd favorite. I don’t usually like dance music that much, but with that song—and seeing how much the crowd was grooving to it—I couldn’t help but dance right along with them.
Before they played their last song, 'Angels,' Romy ended the show with a lovely speech:
“We are very far away from home, but you’ve made us feel so welcome, and it means a lot to us. I don’t want to repeat myself, but thank you so much. We always want you to know, every time you see us play, that we appreciate each and every single one of you for being here.”
I could see them, but I couldn’t really make out their faces. I loved the light show—every flash matched the beat of the songs perfectly. Romy’s voice is so soft, yet it sounds so pure. At the end, right when she was about to speak, the crowd just erupted in cheers for her.
After the concert, I was completely blown away. I had such a huge concert hangover that I spent the next few days binge-watching their videos, interviews, and anything else I could find about them.
I finally realized why I gravitated toward them so much. They’re often called the shyest band in the UK—they’re introverts, just like me. They don't play overly complex arrangements, which is why their sound remains so beautifully minimal and stripped-down.
There is no doubt that genuine friendship matters when you're in a band. You can see it in the way Oliver looks at Romy and vice versa. When they sing together, it feels as if they’re singing directly to each other.
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