REVIEW: Xoxo - My New Habit

It is difficult to quite put a finger on and limit Xoxo’s brand new single “My New Habit” to a single genre; it is simply all over the place. By no means do I mean this in a negative way, the immediate vibes springing from this brand-new single are strictly positive, as is the overall sound and rhythm jingling along over the entirety of the song.

It’s been close to a year since this Brighton based four-piece unleashed their only other single of “Weekends” for the world to hear, and quickly developed a dedicated online following. Just like its predecessor, “My New Habit” is upbeat and energetic, making you long to see it being played live at your favourite local venue.

The intro is a string of plinky notes of a keyboard, its combination developing into a melody that is unique sounding and easily recognisable, somehow and randomly sending me strong memories of a mini xylophone I had when I was a kid. This upbeat loop lingers familiarly in the background up until the distinct drum beat of the bridge, the sharp raps of a snare echoing over a tasteful ensemble of different guitar and bass effects. The chorus reveals itself without any sort of build-up, having the listener being slightly taken aback by the sudden change of sound. “Do you feel the same suspicious magic? Wishing we were telepathic?” asks singer dreamily Vid as drummer Fin, guitarist Ollie and bassist Cheyenne join in in this soothing, but somehow simultaneously, energetic chorus. For all your head-boppers out there, this is a perfect opportunity to let that mullet swing and look forward to that post-gig neck pain we all have that hate/love relationship with.

Xoxo are part of a range of bands and artists emerging from lockdown with a special type of hunger to get out there to show the world what they’ve got and make a name for themselves. It’s indie-rock galore, but stretches the genre to new dimensions and challenges its definition to reach enjoyers of any genre. Fans of Xoxo may currently only have two songs to choose between to put on repeat, but the band is by no means finished in the music industry. My New Habit” easily gets stuck in your head, even after a single play. Don’t be surprised to find yourself humming its catchy melody, instead make it your new habit to plug those headphones in, turn the volume up press play and have a little dance to this brand new single of Xoxo.

Photo by: oliviabrytzmedia