The 1975: The 1975

In the year this record celebrated it's 10th birthday it's only fair it got a Beyond the Grooves review. A record that saw the band mix styles and genres to create a experimental rock record for the 2010's. Taking indie, emo, and electronic music to create a definitive sound. 

Side A opens with 'The 1975' something the band have done for every record, but this was the first time it was used, a small piece of music which acts as almost like a loading screen for the band. In the same way a games console may have some load in music before the game starts, 'The 1975' acts as this for the album, introducing the listener to the record. This is the band introducing themselves to the world. Following the 'The 1975' is the first proper song 'The City' and it is quite the introduction, a complete amalgamation of genres and styles. With powerful rock drums and intricate synth lines all wrapped around some of Matty Healy's best story telling and an arena ready chorus, it's as if they knew where they were heading. Synths are order of the day on the next track to 'M.O.N.E.Y.' the band have described the song as a tribute to Manchester nightlife and their experiences of it. Trying to find the beauty in what they were living. The 1975 were writing the soundtrack of their lives, not just on this song but on the album as a whole. 'Chocolate' one of the albums most famous songs ends Side A which is all centered around the riff. Someone close to the band has described the song as 'Guitar n'B' and I can see why, everything is wrapped around that guitar riff. Healy described the lyrics of "Chocolate" as a love letter to boredom, limited opportunities for self-expression, understanding where one is from and embracing the makeup of that place. Focusing on the 1975's relationships with drugs and the governing authorities in his small town. It was the first song I along with plenty of others remember hearing by the band, and was the catalyst that made me delve deeper into the discography. 

Side B opens with 'Sex' another song that wraps around a guitar riff, and an opening line that is taken from LCD Soundsystem's 'All My Friends'. Its a carbon copy of that songs opening line but it works brilliantly. 'Sex' is one of the albums heaviest tracks and one of the bands most well known and well loved. Yet it doesn't have a big sing along chorus, it doesn't even have a chorus. Instead the tracks hook is the lyric screamed by adoring fans. It's an anthemic masterpiece. 'Talk' is the albums next track, and one of the records hidden gems another synth driven track but it has some of Matty's best lyrics on, especially in the verses. It's a underrated song by the band, and showcases all of there talents. The albums first instrumental comes next 'An Encounter' a song the band use to break things up and slow things down a little, still used in live shows to introduce a song I'l mention later. 'Heart Out' ends Side B another fan favourite with an amazing chorus. The song talks about Matty’s interest in a girl, who he seemingly grew up with in the same town. In this song he notes his interest in her and how he wishes to get to know her better. A real throwback song, it's The 1975 writing an 80s banger, and they succeed. 

Side C opens with 'Settle Down' which sees the band embrace Fleetwood Mac in particular Tusk Era Fleetwood Mac. Harmonising vocals around brilliant guitar and bass lines again a song that is about youth and young love but done in the 1975 way, with tales of bleak northern England. 'Robbers' is the next track, one of the albums most recognisable tracks and one of the bands most well loves songs. The band themselves have classed the writing of this song as a pivotal moment, it started them on a journey of being more than an emo band. It is also a song that fans have connected with and continue to connect with. Even 10 years later fans new and old sing these lyrics like there lives depend on it. It's the albums crowing jewel. 'Girls' follows 'Robbers' a song inspired by the Jackson Five and the first time where the band played a card they have played many times since. What are they doing here? Is this a piss take or are they being serious. I don't quite know but I do know the song is a banger. '12' the albums second instrumental ends Side C mixed by George in a hotel room whilst the band were making the record, a snapshot of where they were and what they were doing when making this record. 

Side D opens with 'She Way Out' a brilliant well constructed song about the bands hometown of Manchester, another one about the mundanity of the bands life. The songs chorus is repetitive along with the guitar riff that wraps around the lyrics. Lyrically the song is quite upsetting but it is wrapped around a jangly indie pop riff. Another underrated 75 tune. 'Menswear' is next and is one of my favorite things the band have ever done a synth pop classic. All about the bands and in particular Matty's experience at a friends wedding. Complete with drugs,  a lot of booze and a whole variety of trouble. It's a unique track that sounds like nothing the band have done on the album. 'Pressure' is the penultimate song on the album and acts as almost a sibling to 'Chocolate' written about Matty's life growing up and how external parties can change a relationship dynamic. Matty's parents were already famous before the band took off, and he felt this pressure and sometimes felt vulnerable as the band were starting out. The albums final track is 'Is There Somebody Who Can Watch You' Matty talks about the obligation he feels towards his younger brother, Louis Healy, during their parents' divorce. He feels a sense of responsibility to protect his brother, despite having to leave him to pursue his musical career. One of the bands most emotive pieces of music, the complete opposite of the rest of the album which sees Matty pour out his feelings to a piano backing track.

So there you go a review on the album that propelled The 1975 from emo kids to one of Britain's most important bands, an album that sounds as good today as it did in 2013. 

Thank you for reading x