The xx finally play Orlando

Smith's input extended to the songwriting on Coexist, and while he also produced the first album, he was able to bring far more to the table in producing Coexist.

"Jamie has grown so much as a producer; I'm kind of still a bit in awe," Sim says. "Now, along with being his bandmate and best friend, I'm a fan. He just constantly blows me away."

Yet, for all the contrasts in the creative process, Coexist retained the xx's stylistic hallmarks.

Once again, sound is quiet and spare, as the group leaves space between the bass lines, chiming guitar notes, silky synths and electronic beats that populate songs like "Try," "Angels" and "Sunset." This measured instrumental approach allows the fragile vocal melodies and personal lyrics to take the spotlight and create music that is emotional, intimate and bold in its own starkly understated way.

The band's songs, Sim says, have started to take on a bit of a different character live.

"We're evolving the songs every day, like every show, to kind of keep it exciting for ourselves," he says. "Some subtleties on record might not translate too well live. So, it can be a case of not being more blatant, but being a bit more exaggerated or extending songs that maybe could hold up a lot better live, or adding a bit more of clubby feel. … It's kind of changing all the time."

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