Art is cyclical. As generations grow old, the sense of nostalgia installs in such a way that we cannot escape the need to reach for out for the “good old days”. And that sometimes means going back to a period we weren’t even born, but we feel so attached (maybe because our parents or grandparents has introduced them to us) that it is impossible not to reach back.
Although I am only now approaching my 30s, this feeling is currently involving me.
It is hard to evaluate the current music world. And I mean that in the nicest way. It is my own personal way to acknowledge the fascinating fact that technology has allowed us to curate what we like in music.
Because of this I am constantly looking for new bands that can grab me in this infinite multiverse. One band is at the top of this list: the British band The 1975.
Remember the sense of nostalgia I mentioned in the beginning? This band has really caught my attention exactly because of this.
I first heard them through a podcast that I am a huge fan of called “All Song Considered” by NPR (which I absolutely recommend for all music lovers), and I remember saying to myself: “they are going to be one of the next top bands in music history”. That was over 3 years ago – a time before their first album, when they had launched their first EPs.
But in this review I will talk about their latest album with the brilliant title “I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It” (many might say it is too long, but I absolutely love the poetry behind it).
It is only their second album, but it already met all the high expectations surrounding it. The album is complete with sound references from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Not only that, it makes these decades sound contemporary. So it is new music that brings out the warm and comfortable feeling of the “old days”. It’s a real-life back to the future.
The whole album flows naturally, kicking off with the song “The 1975”, which is almost an anthem that empowers the album. It immediately is followed by “Love Me” and its amazing rhythm created by guitars, a cool bass and drum flow, and incredible synthesisers. And trust me, the lyrics are worth having a look – they are a great criticism to our current social media moving world, and our status in it.
Another great song worth mentioning is “She’s American”. I might be crazy, but this song has very big reference to “Genesis” – a great base line, groovy guitars, and the characteristic drum sound with plenty of delay, reverb and tight snare drum. I am addicted to this song. Not only because of its sound, but the lyrics are also a brilliant look on American girls and their view on British boys (apparently this song came to existence during the time they lived in California while recording the album).
“If I Believe You” is a beautiful song. It has a soothing and sexy rhythm to it, that almost makes you want to slow dance. There is an R&B feel to it, with an extended pre-chorus backed up by a moving organ sound, followed by a deliciously gospel-like chorus. Not to mention the saxophone that perfectly embodies the song with a soft solo. I don’t think I need to repeat myself in saying that the lyrics must accompany the song.
Finally, I must mention one of the top hits of the album – the song “Somebody Else”. Again, a perfect example of nostalgia. It embodies an 80s electro-ballad song. The voice has moments in which the delay really gives out this reference.
I could write a very extensive review of this album – especially considering it is 17 tracks long. But a review is nothing more than an opinion written by a nostalgic, nearly 30 years old, lunatic. Just listen to this masterpiece – and let me know if you agree. And I can honestly say that, after spending however many minutes with this album, the hardest part is coming back to reality after this exquisite time traveling session.
Listen on Spotify:
Leo Melo – Bucket List Music UK
Twitter: @blmusicuk
Facebook: Bucket List Music UK
