Artist · EveryDisc catalogue

XTC

XTC is a British rock band formed in 1976 in Swindon, England, which became an important part of the new wave and performed alternative art-rock with elements of punk rock, folk-prog, psychedelia, and the avant-garde. In some ways resonant with American new wave innovators (Pere Ubu and Talking Heads), but partly continuing English traditions of rock eccentricity (Pink Floyd, The Kinks, Family), the ensemble went through an intricate path of development, refuting prevailing notions in rock and roll about genre compatibility, practicing stylistic and sonic eclecticism, and creating ironic, intelligent lyrics. Despite occasional breakthroughs into the charts (the singles “Making Plans For Nigel,” 1979, “Senses Working Overtime,” 1982, the album English Settlement, 1982), XTC did not have mass popularity, but their works were highly valued by music critics and had a noticeable influence on the development of British rock and the future of Britpop in particular.