Oliver Sim – best known for his work as songwriter, bassist, and vocalist for the legendary British trio The xx – is making his solo debut with his first album, Hideous Bastard. Drawing inspiration from his love of horror films and his own life, Sim gathered a handful of demos that he and Jamie xx then fleshed out. The result is a highly successful, intimate, and pop-infused work, featuring, among others, the participation of Jimmy Somerville (Bronski Beat).