Jamie xx Brings Euphoria Back On The Dance Floor For His ‘In Waves’ Tour – Review

There’s something quite special about nightlife. 

Maybe it’s the jam-packed nature of its venues, the dimly-lit strobe lights flashing, the hot and sweaty air, or even the bombastic speakers blowing out house music through to your ears, but the experience of taking in music amidst such an electric atmosphere is one that truly sticks to you.

For Jamie xx, such a setting is often where his music serves as the soundtrack, bringing a distinct flair that’s surprisingly as tangible as it is spiritual. It’s the type of rave experience that forces you to live in the moment, where every beat feels like it’s vibrating through your entire body, and every drop echoes a sense of connection to the crowd around you. The pulse of the bass, the echoing synths, and the hypnotic rhythms create an atmosphere that transcends mere entertainment — it becomes a collective experience, where the music and the people merge into something greater than the sum of its parts.

Such was the case for the English DJ’s highly anticipated return to the Philippines a few weeks back (which marked the first stop of the ‘In Waves’ Tour), wherein the allure of nightlife wasn’t merely about the crowd or the energy; it was about the intimate relationship between sound and space. His tracks didn’t just fill up the Filinvest Tent (which was surprisingly packed from the barricade all the way to the back) — they shaped it, transforming the venue into an immersive sanctuary of rhythm and emotion.

Following an excellent opening set by fellow DJ George Connolly, who masterfully blended disco with afro-funk elements from the ’70s, the stage was set for a night to remember. The atmosphere was already thick with anticipation when Jamie xx stepped up, the first track from his latest record, In Waves, “Wanna,” immediately taking hold of the crowd. The tension in the air cracked, and the venue came alive. The crowd cheered, their excitement building as the first notes pulsed through the speakers, and the distinct texture of Jamie’s sound cut through the noise. It was the beginning of what would be a transcendent night — one that left the dance floor brimming with euphoric, lucid energy from the first beat to the last.

The set quickly unfolded with a barrage of hits that have come to define Jamie xx’s unmistakable sound. He dropped “Treat Each Other Right,” a joyful and rhythmically infectious anthem, before seamlessly sliding into “KILL DEM,” a track that surged with intensity and grit. As the crowd vibed to the fiery beats, Jamie softened the mood with “Still Summer,” a perfect follow-up that brought a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the moment. The crowd swayed in sync with each and every drop, entirely at one with the music.

But what sets Jamie xx apart is his ability to balance the upbeat aspects of the night with the ambient, and he did so effortlessly. The rich, textured tones of “Far Nearer” began to fill the room, followed by “Gosh,” a standout track that married euphoric swells with introspective pauses and crashing percussion elements. It was a gentle reminder of how Jamie can manipulate the pace of a set, drawing listeners in with soft, atmospheric tunes before building the night back up with anthemic highs.

As the night continued, the vibe shifted, gradually moving into a deeper, more introspective phase. The flow transitioned smoothly into “Waited All Night,” his collaboration track with fellow The xx members, Romy and Oliver Sim, that carries an infectious, yearning energy perfect for the crowd to sink into and ride the waves of sound. The immersive atmosphere was further heightened as “Idontknow” followed, with its minimalist rhythms and hypnotic cadence pulling the audience into a space that had everyone in the crowd getting lost in the feeling of the music. It was in these moments that Jamie xx’s mastery of the dance floor really became apparent, showcasing the art of mixing euphoria with trance-like moments of reflection.

The energy remained strong as he moved into “Falling Together,” a track that brought a sense of unity and flow, building into “Breather,” a moment that gave the crowd a chance to catch their breath with its droning beats before the next surge. These tunes offered a brief respite before Jamie took the crowd into more existential territory. As “Obvs” played, a subtle shift in tone occurred — its lighter beats and technicolor sound palette allowed the crowd to feel as though they were collectively journeying through sound. The rhythmic intensity of the track held a sense of inevitability, pulling listeners deeper into the shared experience.

From there, the atmosphere shifted into something entirely euphoric with “Loud Places,” a fan-favorite track that resonated deeply with the crowd. The combination of Jamie’s intricate production and Romy’s soaring vocals on the track was one that was electric, sending waves of emotion across the dance floor. The crowd responded in turn by singing and jumping along — lost in the music and the moment — while the lights flashed in sync with the beats, amplifying the collective euphoria.

Then came another curveball on “Let’s Do It Again.” With this track, the vibe became infectious in the most joyful, celebratory way. It was a perfect breather, lighthearted and upbeat, while still making it clear that the night was far from over. Yet, as the final crescendo approached, the energy on the dance floor surged once again, leading to the non-stop bangers that would characterize the last stretch of the set.

For his final set of tracks, Jamie xx released an unrelenting wave of euphoria that had the crowd jumping and dancing without pause. First up was his collaboration with The Avalanches on “All You Children,” which brought a sense of nostalgia and infectious joy, before Robyn’s emotionally charged vocals took the stage on “Life,” elevating the euphoric mood of the crowd even further. The climax of the night arrived with the unforgettable “Baddy On The Floor” with Honey Dijon, this track, being the epitome of club energy, turned the dance floor into an unstoppable force, unleashing a final wave of jubilant bliss that left everyone craving more.

And yet, as the lights slowly turned back up and the crowd’s cheers continued to reverberate throughout the venue, Jamie assured the audience that he wasn’t done just yet. He returned for an encore performance of “I Know There’s Gonna Be Good Times,” a cheeky nod to the fact that while the night was winding down, there was always more to look forward to. As he silently waved goodbye to the stage with a bright smile on his face, the message was clear: there would be more (not just now), but when Jamie xx returns to the Philippines, giving room for the good times to undoubtedly roll again.

As the lights began to rise and the final notes faded, it became abundantly clear that Jamie xx had done more than just play a set — he had crafted an unforgettable experience. Every track was a carefully chosen chapter in a story that traversed both the depths of sound and the heights of emotion, for the way he effortlessly wove together moments of intense euphoria with subtle, introspective pauses reflected a unique artistry that is rare in live (and especially electronic) performances.

His set wasn’t just a showcase of hits, but a reflection of the fluid, ever-changing energy that defines nightlife itself — an environment where you can lose yourself, yet find yourself at the same time. Whether it was the bass-heavy anthems that had the crowd bouncing or the more ambient, soul-stirring tracks that transported everyone into a collective reverie, Jamie xx managed to keep the energy alive and the connection palpable throughout the entire night.

While all good things must come to an end, one thing that anyone in the crowd could easily take away was his ability to blend genre-defying beats with intricate melodies that turn every set into a journey –– pulling listeners into a world where time bends, boundaries blur, and every song feels like a conversation between the DJ and the dance floor.

In a world where nightlife is often about escapism, Jamie xx’s music invites you to dive deeper into the present –– urging you not just to escape, but to also feel deeply and connect more intimately with the beats that move you.

Listen to Jamie xx’s second studio album In Waves below: