Londoners The XX have borne a massive weight of expectation on their young shoulders in recent months as the release date of their debut album, 'xx',  drew near. It arrived a couple of weeks ago to rapturous reviews and rounds of applause so not surprising then that the Electric Arena was close to bursting despite their mid afternoon slot here at the picnic.

Given the peared back intimacy of 'xx', I had my concerns as to whether they could translate what is effectively a wee hours sound to a festival floor bathed in daylight. I need not have worried. This was a thrilling set of quiet intensity, all around hips swayed gently while heads bobbed in unison.

'VCR', 'Crystalized' and 'Islands' were particular highlights as was an atmospheric cover of Womack and Womack's 'Teardrops'. For those unfamiliar with the band there was certainly enough here to merit further invesigation, while everyone else left very happy indeed.

Jan