The xx have said they expect to feel pressure when they come to record the follow-up to their critically acclaimed debut album.

The self-titled LP is one of twelve albums shortlisted for this year's Mercury Prize and is the bookies favourite to take the title.

Bassist and singer Oliver Sim told XFM: “I think there will be pressure [on us]. ['XX'] was made with no expectations of us, no one knew who we were.

“A lot of the songs were written in the mindframe that only the three of us would hear them.

“Writing in the mindframe that a lot of people might hear these new songs will be different, but hopefully it’s something we can block out.”

Sim added that the band had yet to start work on their second album due to their touring commitments.

“We’ve found touring to be not too creative,” he added. “We come home in October so hopefully we’ll start writing then.”

The Mercury Prize winner is due to be unveiled on September 7.

(by Jason Gregory)