Since 2012’s Facedown EP, alternative rock band, The 1975 have gatecrashed ‘Ones To Watch’ lists everywhere. Influenced by a range of musicians as well as admirers of hip-hop princess Iggy Azalea, it’s no surprise their music broods from crisp 80s pop, slick R‘n’B and lingering punk, assembling the newbies as centrepieces of modern music today.
Four EPs later, the Manchester quartet have became Radio 1’s current sweethearts and are now continuously facing sell-out-crowds, one of them including Birmingham’s Institute tonight. A brave move is made as the set is filled with unknown songs from their upcoming debut album. The crowd remain quiet and appreciative till livening up to recognisable favourites.
'Robbers' is a lush love song full of looping guitar riffs and heart-wrenching ballads, while 'Settle Down' is a perfect summer soundtrack full of bouncy electrics, just right for the festival season. The smart decision of saving the best ’til last pays off, as the set is an unrelenting success, ending on a high as 'Chocolate' and 'Sex' burst into life, injecting the crowd with the energy for dancing. 'You' is a performed with raw passion, leaving the audience clinging onto every lyric and pause, amplifying it as the most precious and emotional moment of the set so far.
Frontman Matty Healy is humbled and charmingly snaps a picture of his posing bunch before departing the stage. Dismissing the disappointing half-hour-late appearance which resulted in some fans leaving early to catch their trains home, tonight showcases a small but special gig very few were lucky enough to experience before undoubtedly seeing a band like this progress onto bigger and better things.
