Jamie xx makes a compelling addition to post-lockdown dance culture with latest record, In Waves.
Jamie xx returns with In Waves, his long-anticipated follow-up to In Colour released nine years ago. Born from the constraints of lockdown, this album dives deep into Jamie’s vinyl collection, creating a nostalgic yet polished sound that captures the euphoria of dancing and the connection it fosters—even without a physical dance floor. Released during an ongoing dance music renaissance, In Waves fits alongside contemporary works like Charli xcx‘s BRAT and Fred again..’s ten days, but stands out for its introspective yet celebratory tone.
The album blends diverse sub-genres of Electronic Music, from UK-Garage to Techno and House. Tracks like ‘Baddy On The Floor‘ deliver old-school UK-Garage vibes, while ‘Breather‘ veers into experimental Techno territory. The intro track, ‘Wanna’, evokes Atmospheric Downtempo influences similar to Moby or Massive Attack, leaving listeners (aka, me) craving for more. Collaborative highlights include ‘Waited All Night‘, featuring The xx, where Romy and Oliver Sim bring a Lo-Fi, Ambient feel with a modern punch, and ‘The Feeling I Get From You‘, offering infectious grooves and dynamic beat switches.
While the album’s front-loaded structure shines with energetic bangers, the latter half grows introspective, reflecting on Dance Music’s unifying power during isolation. This shift is effective but brings replay value down slightly. Some collaborations, like Panda Bear on ‘Dafodil’ also fall short, yet the nostalgic reunion of The xx and notable features from Robyn and The Avalanches anchor the record in Jamie’s distinctive style.
In Waves encapsulates Jamie xx’s evolution, capturing the tension between isolation and unity. Though it falters in places, it’s a beautiful testament to dance music’s ability to inspire and connect, making it a compelling addition to post-lockdown dance culture.
