KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 — When you think British bands, it’s your played-a-million-times-on-radio favourites Oasis, Take That, The Rolling Stones that spring to mind.

What if there was a band just as rock ‘n’ roll, albeit more current, more edgy and more enigmatic, with a brand of dark indie electronica they have made their own?

That’s The xx.

Set to hit Malaysian shores this week, the trailblazing trio famously emerged from obscurity in 2010 with an eponymous debut album recorded in a small garage studio.

It went on to land the prestigious Mercury Prize, awarded annually to the best album in Britain and Ireland, and worldwide success followed along with two follow-ups — critically-acclaimed albums Coexist in 2012 and last year’s I See You.

Overhyped or plenty of fuss with good cause?

With 4,500 Malaysians expected to pack out MITEC here tomorrow, you might be accused of missing a trick.

Their “live” shows are some of England’s most breathtaking in recent times — the band holds the record for the longest run of sold-out shows in legendary venue the O2 Brixton Academy.

The gigs are bass-heavy, star Romy Madley Croft’s airy vocals and Jamie Smith’s revered production and sampling techniques, giving an immersive quality rarely displayed from a group of such great measure.

Here’s five more reasons The xx in Kuala Lumpur is not to be missed.

1. Their latest album might be their best yet.

For five years, indie music was bereft of a new xx sound, a void eventually filled by the fantastic I See You.

It was tipped as Album of the Year by various leading critics, pitted alongside the likes of Kendrick Lamar as one of 2017’s finer outputs.

The xx embraced a brighter, warmer disposition on the record with tracks like On Hold, contrasting with more isolated hits Shelter from way back when.

2. First time for Malaysians, but not Singaporeans.

In possibly the greatest snub since Lionel Richie beat Prince and Purple Rain to a Grammy in 1985, the KL gig is The xx’s first here, compared to neighbouring Singapore who have been treated three times to Smith, Croft and Oliver Sim.

They first played down south at Laneway Festival in 2010 before appearances in 2013 and on July 25 last year, where a mega 8,000 fans turned up at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

3. Smith is a sight to behold.

Beatmaker Smith is the arguably the band’s greatest success story, a celebrated producer who has remixed Radiohead, Alicia Keys and worked on Drake’s Take Care back in 2011.

He branched out solo as Jamie xx in 2011 and four years later released record In Colour, a sleeker alternative to his work with The xx, which earned him a Mercury nomination.

“Live”, he draws from the well of technology at his disposal to create dance-inspired tunes that galvanise an unforgettable atmosphere and throw-your-hands up music that is equal-part exciting as it is impactful.

4. Trademark sound.

Common discussion among xx aficionados is the oft-riffed “signature sound”, but deciphering something so minimal can be a tricky task.

It is their approach to minimalism, however, that is their winning feat. Combine some pensive lyrics, try Angels for the best example, and you have The xx.

5. Name someone tighter.

It’s not unusual to hear of a band forming at some stage during the throes of education. But at primary school?

The xx trio all met as kids at Elliot School in Putney Heath, London, which they have credited in various aspects for how tight their music has become.

Curious fact: Pierce Brosnan attended the same school and went on to become James Bond.

The xx “I See You Tour” is presented by Upfront Arena. Local synth-pop duo Pastel Lite are supporting. Tickets are available at the door for RM330. 

Tickets are available at the door for RM330 or through Ticketpro for RM334.