The xx, Main Stage

The xx, Main Stage:

In many ways, The xx on the main stage was a booking which defied logic.

The London trio’s sleek minimalism is a sound probably best suited to stages with a roof and four walls rather than the wide open spaces of Stradbally Hall.

Throw away all those pre-conceptions because The xx stole the show.

With songs from that starry debut album and the soon-come Coexist second album, here was a performance showing that less sometimes is more.

Songs like Reunion and Crystallisted were gorgeous slivers of tinsel-like textures and incandescent melodies, sounds which stirred the senses. When the beats glided into place every so often, the audience reacted with glee.

The xx on the main stage? Goosebumps all round.

Verdict: *****