To say The 1975 have blown up would be, with little exaggeration, quite the understatement. From their humble beginnings in Manchester to selling out shows half-way across the world in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Palladium, the British foursome are (and will continue to be) the indie band with huge mainstream appeal, and whether you like it or not, they’re here to stay.
When first rolling into the stadium parking lot, one would get the unsavory impression that they were at a One Direction/Taylor Swift/huge pop star concert. What with the hundreds and hundreds of teenage girls who probably aren’t even old enough to drive lining up around the block to get in and see the set, you’d have thought you were waiting for a high school dance to start. But despite the massive horde of hormonal fan girls that would usually dissuade real, genuine concert goers from enjoying a show, everything about The 1975’s two-day run in Los Angeles was simply one for the books.
They may very well be the indie band with that special, teenage mainstream appeal, but that works to the advantage of fans, because not only are they giving the absolute best they can in every show they do to please said fangirls, but they are introducing masses upon masses of people to their special brand of 80s-synth infused sound that is so desperately needed in a popular, cultural climate devoid of good, authentic music.
That authenticity was felt right from the get-go with lead vocalist Matty Healy’s hilariously endearing tipsy antics at the beginning of show (he stumbled upon stage with a whole bottle of wine at the ready, for crying out loud), and continued throughout the entire one hour and 15 minute set with little B.S., amazing lighting and smoke effects and lots of live music.
From their performances of lesser known b-sides like “Milk,” “Me,” and “So Far (It’s Alright)” to the hits that gave them stateside popularity in the first place like “The City,” “Girls,” “Chocolate,” and set closer “Sex,” The 1975 puts all their energy and efforts into each and every song. So much so, that it’s painfully clear that they could care less about being mainstream, despite how many teenagers with fake IDs are populating the pit of the venue.
In short, don’t let the millennials wearing unnecessary high heels while they’re eyes are glued to their phones outside of the building lessen your interest of ever seeing The 1975 perform. Despite a young, annoying, screaming crowd, they are worth every bit of your attention.
