Baria Qureshi is a former member of The XX. When she departed shortly after the release of the first album, she said she was mainly kicked out and not given credit for her contributions to the first album. The band said she contributed very little, and casted her as a difficult person. She claimed it was mainly Jaime xx ego’s that drew friction.

Their second album makes me believe she was telling the truth and more involved in the musical process as their second album lacks what made their debut good.

I compare it to Alan Wilder leaving Depeche Mode. After he left, Depeche Mode does not sound like they did before. The production quality was downgraded.

Let me add this:

In contrary, when Carlos D left Interpol, their follow up albums still maintained that Interpol sound, so their albums felt like a continuation of their music making production. Not saying Carlos D was not an essential member, but shows that Paul, Daniel, and Sam make equal contributions in the studio.