Coachella 2026: Indie minimalists The xx come back bigger, brasher than ever

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Although it had been eight years since The xx last played a show together, the British band quickly recaptured their magic when they took the stage on Friday.

For one, the members haven’t exactly disappeared. Producer/drummer Jamie xx is a festival mainstay and one of the most sophisticated, exultant DJ’s working. Romy Madley Croft became a sapphic-nightlife sovereign in 2023 with the clubby “Mid Air,” after Sim’s own minimalist, horror-streaked “Hideous Bastard.”

I’ve been a fan of this band for years, and what always strikes me is how their music just doesn’t seem to age. They were so ahead of their time, blending indie rock with the energy of the EDM scene, but at the same time, their songs have this raw, emotional quality that reminds me of classic Motown. It’s a really unique combination that keeps me coming back for more.

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From its start as a small desert festival, Coachella has grown into a huge influence on pop culture. Relive some of its most memorable moments, featuring performances by Daft Punk and Beyoncé, the famous Coachella astronaut, and more!

Their performance was one of the most talked-about sets at the festival, proving how well their music has aged. They were pioneers of a very personal, quiet style of pop music, and it’s clear they influenced artists like Billie Eilish.

But on Friday, the band reinforced their authentic sound with the assuredness, energy, and skill of a seasoned rock group.

The band, still favoring their signature all-black look, appeared more mature and self-assured on stage. They moved seamlessly from intimate, back-and-forth songs like “Shelter” and “VCR” into the pulsing energy of Romy’s “Enjoy Your Life.” “On Hold” perfectly blended their two styles—electronic samples with a driving rock sound—and “Angels” continued to be a uniquely beautiful and heartfelt song.

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The first weekend of Coachella 2026 boasts an exciting lineup of 18 performers the Los Angeles Times staff is particularly eager to experience, ranging from legendary punk rocker Iggy Pop to rising star Gigi Perez.

It was fitting that they ended the show with “Intro,” a simple instrumental track from their first album. Ironically, this song—thanks to its use in commercials—has become what most people recognize them by, and it still sounds fantastic. They finished with a surprisingly intense, stadium-rock-style breakdown. After years spent honing their sound in smaller, underground venues, these three have returned as bigger and more impactful musicians than ever before.

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2026-04-12 21:07