For fans of indie music, the past eight years have felt like an eternity. But last weekend, the long wait finally ended: The xx, the British trio renowned for their minimalist sound and emotional candor, made a thunderous return to the live stage. Their comeback wasn’t just a fleeting moment—it was a declaration. With three sold-out shows at Mexico City’s Pepsi Center WTC on April 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2026, and a triumphant set at Coachella on April 10th, The xx signaled they’re not just back—they’re ready to begin a bold new chapter.
According to NME, the reunion was announced as the “start of a new chapter for the band,” and judging by the feverish reception in Mexico City, fans were more than ready. The 8,000-capacity venue was packed to the rafters each night, with the audience treated to a 19-song setlist that spanned the group’s entire career. From the opening notes of “Crystalised” to the emotional closer “Infinity,” Romy Madley Croft, Oliver Sim, and Jamie xx delivered a masterclass in musical intimacy and evolution.
The setlist itself was a love letter to their journey. Drawing from their 2009 debut xx, 2012’s Coexist, and 2018’s I See You, the band also carved out space for each member’s solo work. Jamie xx, who has carved a reputation as a festival mainstay and one of the most sophisticated DJs of his generation, was given the spotlight with tracks like “I’ll Take Care of U” (his collaboration with Gil Scott-Heron), “Loud Places,” and the brand-new “Waited All Night,” which features both Romy and Oliver and appeared on his 2025 album In Waves. Romy, whose solo album Mid Air turned her into a club-scene icon in 2023, performed “Enjoy Your Life,” while Oliver Sim contributed “GMT” from his own minimalist, horror-tinged solo project.
As Pitchfork reported, the trio didn’t just play the hits—they reached deep into their catalog for fan favorites and rarities. The encore even featured the first-ever live performance of “Season’s Run,” a treat for diehard followers. The band’s signature aesthetic—hazy lighting, all-black attire, and a sense of gravity that comes only with age and experience—set the perfect stage for songs like “Say Something Loving,” “Islands,” “Angels,” and “On Hold.”
The xx’s return to Coachella on April 10th, 2026, only amplified the sense that something special was happening. According to Los Angeles Times, their set was one of the most buzzed-about of the festival, standing out even in a lineup notorious for its spectacle. The band’s blend of “hyper-intimate headphone pop” and “veteran rock confidence” was on full display. Songs like “Shelter,” “VCR,” and “Enjoy Your Life” shimmered with renewed energy, while “On Hold” perfectly married their sample-driven, electronic side with their indie rock roots. The closing track, “Intro,” a modest instrumental from their debut album that has since become a mainstream calling card thanks to commercial placements, was transformed into a stadium-worthy anthem, complete with a noise-staggered breakdown that felt downright epic.
What makes The xx’s return so compelling is how they’ve managed to evolve without losing the essence that made them icons. As Pitchfork noted, their debut almost singlehandedly inaugurated a shift toward minimalist, emotionally resonant pop—a sound that’s influenced a generation of artists, from Billie Eilish to the new wave of bedroom indie acts. Yet, after nearly a decade apart, the trio has come back with a new sense of swagger and precision, their faces “carrying a little more gravity and composure with age.”
The years apart weren’t spent in silence. Each member explored new creative avenues, and the band itself was in pre-production on a new album as early as 2023. In March 2025, they shared footage from the studio, confirming that new material was on the way. Industry insiders suggest that their fourth studio album could land later in 2026, making these live shows just the opening act for a much larger creative campaign. The anticipation is palpable: Will The xx’s next record recapture the minimalist genius that defined their earlier work, or will it chart entirely new territory?
Romy, reflecting on the reunion, described it as “a healthy break” that allowed all three members to “learn new skills, get new musical ideas and experiences.” That sense of growth and maturity was evident onstage—and it’s precisely what fans seem to crave in an era of increasingly digital, oversaturated music production. The xx’s ability to balance intimacy with grandeur, restraint with emotional punch, remains their calling card.
Beyond Mexico City and Coachella, the band’s 2026 calendar is filling up fast. Headlining slots at Lollapalooza, Primavera Sound Barcelona, and Outside Lands are already confirmed, with more dates expected to be announced. The global festival circuit is abuzz, and the momentum from their Mexican debut is building into what could be one of the most significant comebacks in recent indie history.
For longtime fans, the return of The xx is more than just nostalgia—it’s a reminder of how powerful and enduring truly original music can be. Their minimalist sound, dual vocals, and emotional restraint once felt like a quiet revolution. Now, with new material on the horizon and a renewed sense of purpose, The xx are poised to inspire yet another generation.
As the last echoes of “Infinity” faded at the Pepsi Center, and as thousands of festival-goers drifted away from the Coachella main stage, one thing was clear: The xx are back, and they’re just getting started.