Initial annoyance at the all-ages aspect of the show muted my aggressive excitement to see the band that has defined the sound of my life since the age of 15- the same age as the individuals surrounding me. Their continuous screaming each time a tech walked on only enhanced this cynicism.
I, however, overestimated my ability to keep it together. As the opening bars of Give Yourself a Try blared out, an unearthly scream projected from my mouth and pretty much did not stop for the rest of this wonderfully energetic, dynamic and varied gig. The band wore 80s-esc black suits, dressing down as the show went on, effortlessly cool, and seemingly unphased by the screeching teenagers (and me) chanting at and reaching for them.
Being the album launch party I half expected new, unreleased songs to be played as previews for the keenest of crowds. Disappointingly this did not happen, but I find it hard to complain given this allowed time for them to play tracks from both their first and second albums, reaffirming my presence on earth and breaking my heart at the same time.
Riffs that hit via headphones and speakers are far more powerful live. I found myself tearing up at Love it if We Made It, Falling For You (played as a surprise extra after consulting the setlist) and Somebody Else. The depth of language and the literary intricacies of their songs, always leave me contemplative with each listen. Seeing The 1975 perform and watching Matty sink into each song heightened this still further. The band’s incredibly personal lyrics make for uncomfortable listening in an impatient 21st century world that’s used to and looks for easy ways to feel, a subject matter explored further in their latest album: A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships. This age defining album should be regarded as something more than a social media rant. It hits and it works. It winds people up because they don’t understand and don’t want to empathise with a deeply pop sounding tune. Commercial pop songs are allowed to have deep motifs without needing a post-indie-angsty makeover.
My emotion was only broken by Matty’s attempted stage dive. The fans, some of whom had queued apparently over-night, again showed their age and corresponding strength (or lack of it). As Matty “took off” the adoring crowd rushed forward to touch their sweaty idol. In the same moment, a huge concerned bouncer protectively held him back by the trouser leg. The crowd swelled and rippled as the injured, the overwhelmed and the intoxicated were removed. Matty profusely and tearfully apologised, encouraging calm and space. Not going to lie, from the balcony it did look almost “rock n’ roll”.
