California-based alternative-pop band XYLØ opened for The Naked and Famous at DC’s Lincoln Theater this week. Their performance was absolutely breathtaking. The band’s emergence into the public sphere was relatively recent: they released their debut EP in February of this year. The brother-sister duo features lead vocalist Paige Duddy and musician Chase Duddy. The pair found Internet success after releasing their first single, America, in February 2015. In the last 18 months the group has all but relinquished their beginnings in the digital sphere – as it is evident that XYLO lives, breathes, and thrives on stage.
Paige Duddy’s voice effortlessly filled Lincoln Theatre. The twenty-one-year old had little experience with live performance or voice training prior to this tour, but she controlled the stage with the poise of a veteran. Her voice seemed to cut through the smoky, dimly lit theatre without venturing into an oppressive tone.
Relaxing, but in no way boring; rich, but not overbearing; different, but not in a bad way: Duddy’s voice balanced perfectly within the amalgamation of alternative-pop production around her. It finely traversed the highs and lows of XYLØ’s unique sound, finding its place not at the forefront of their music, but working within the whole to create a full and truly chill experience. Her body language served to supplement the ease and confidence in her voice. Nothing seemed rehearsed yet nothing felt out place. Duddy’s voice was a natural extension of XYLØ’s sound—relaxed, comfortable, and confident.
XYLØ’s music felt perfectly hazy, rolling like smoke along your skin and permeating your disposition. The music made the crowd want to dance enthusiastically while giving each member of the audience goose bumps. The sound evokes memories of beach bonfires and rooftop kickbacks overlooking a city turning in for the night. Their sound would most aptly be described as an “experience” – one that I would highly recommend. XYLØ is a must-see performance. With the anticipated release of their new music, I fully expect only further ascent from the band.
Paige Duddy’s voice effortlessly filled Lincoln Theatre. The twenty-one-year old had little experience with live performance or voice training prior to this tour, but she controlled the stage with the poise of a veteran. Her voice seemed to cut through the smoky, dimly lit theatre without venturing into an oppressive tone.
Relaxing, but in no way boring; rich, but not overbearing; different, but not in a bad way: Duddy’s voice balanced perfectly within the amalgamation of alternative-pop production around her. It finely traversed the highs and lows of XYLØ’s unique sound, finding its place not at the forefront of their music, but working within the whole to create a full and truly chill experience. Her body language served to supplement the ease and confidence in her voice. Nothing seemed rehearsed yet nothing felt out place. Duddy’s voice was a natural extension of XYLØ’s sound—relaxed, comfortable, and confident.
XYLØ’s music felt perfectly hazy, rolling like smoke along your skin and permeating your disposition. The music made the crowd want to dance enthusiastically while giving each member of the audience goose bumps. The sound evokes memories of beach bonfires and rooftop kickbacks overlooking a city turning in for the night. Their sound would most aptly be described as an “experience” – one that I would highly recommend. XYLØ is a must-see performance. With the anticipated release of their new music, I fully expect only further ascent from the band.