The xx have been made favourites to land the Mercury Music Prize, following yesterday’s publication of the list of nominees for the prestigious awards.
Popular on LondonNet
“It’s absolutely insane considering all the other artists, like Paul Weller,” the band’s Oliver Sim told the NME.
“It’s really mindblowing.”
Bookmakers aren’t usually known for being “insane” when it comes to money. They have The xx’s self-titled album at 5/2 favourites for the Mercury award, putting the Putney-bred group ahead of not only the likes of established artists Weller and Dizzee Rascal, but also fellow youngsters Mumford & Son, Laura Marling and Wild Beasts.
The Wild Beasts’ Two Dancers album is priced at around 6/1, while Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons is third favourite at about 7/1.
The Mercury Music Prize winner will be announced on 7 September.
