I want to begin my article by saying this; I am a huge fan of the 1975. They are a band that I have followed since 2014, so my expectations were set rather high when going to see them on the first gig of their 2016 tour. The band had booked five nights at the O2 Brixton Academy, which is surprising even for an act as popular as these guys. But despite this, all the nights sold out almost instantly, which shows the scale and expectations that they bring to the music table.
Being one of the UKs leading music venues, the academy can hold up to five thousand people and has held hosts to acts such as Madonna, the Smiths and more. What a better place than for the 1975 to perform music from their new album. As well as the new sound, they were also set to perform some of its fan classics. The venue is perfect for a band like them. It is small and compact, with a rough feel to it all which just adds to the atmosphere of the concert.
Before the band came on stage, they were supported by another indie band on the same music label as the ’75 (Dirty Hit), called the Japanese House. This band has a unique style, with an electronic twist. They were the perfect artist to build up the hype; and then came the long wait...
The ambiance began to dim, the noise started to build and my heart began to beat even faster. Then suddenly, the lights dropped and on came the band. The noise from the crowd was deafening and the strumming of Adam Hann’s guitar for the song ‘Love me’ signified the start of the night.
The concert was a joy from the start to the very end. The aesthetic, rectangular blocks that showed shimmering pixels and cityscapes, plus jerky guitar licks and Eighties sheen, felt unique and something the band wanted to express fully. The band was also not afraid to show a bit of neon pink either. They were fantastic to listen to, sounding like you were just at a massive music party. Adam Hann was silky on the guitar, Ross MacDonald was cool on the bass, George Daniel on the drums and then of course there was the frontman Matt Healy. He was a star in his own right, a born performer in his leather trousers and patterned shirt, dragging a microphone cable around behind him when he could have used something more modern and wireless. His high voice was pure boy band and songs such as Chocolate and She’s American had light funk froth.
Add the soulful vocal choir, the bright lighting and the overall vibe from the crowd who were with them the entire way; it was brilliant to see. And that was just the first night! Overall, the other nights have a lot to live up to, as this unique pop rock band are moving forward step by step.
Worth the wait? Hell yes!