NEWS: The xx Win The Barclaycard Mercury Prize 2010

The xx have won the coveted Barclaycard Mercury Prize for 2010.

The Mercury Prize is an annual award for the best British album, decided exclusively and in secret by a panel of industry judges. It's considered the most credible of the UK's music awards, similar to New Zealand's APRA Silver Scroll (for songwriting) and the Taite Prize (for album of the year).

The London trio who recently played Auckland's Laneway Festivals in Febuary, collected their award at London’s Grosvenor House, after a judging panel voted their album ‘xx’ the best of the past year. They beat other nominees including Paul Weller, Foals, Mumford and Sons, Wild Beasts and Laura Marling to the $43,000 prize.

Speaking at a press conference shortly after winning, the band said they were still in a state of shock, though they had already made plans about what to do with the prize money.

We made this album ('xx') in a converted garage at our record label,” said Madley Croft. “We felt very lucky at the time to use it, but I think we’d love to make our own studio, somewhere where we can just experiment and let Jamie produce.”

If you havn't already make sure you go grab their debut album 'xx', out now.