With their third consecutive No 1 album, two Brit awards nominations and a couple of nights at the O2, The 1975 are possibly to become Britain’s biggest band. But really it’s all about frontman Matty Healy, who announced: “My name’s Matty, everybody, please give it up for me.”
His showboating style was accentuated by an awesome arena production that can’t have come cheap. There was a thrilling moment when, perched on a platform, he pushed himself into a mysterious void within the backdrop that opened up to become a mini-stage. It was a tireless performance of preening dance moves, eye-rolling theatrics and nimble footwork as Healy glided along a treadmill.
The 1975 also had the songs to connect with a huge crowd. Their sleek, Eighties-style second record may have divided opinion upon release, though it provided several highlights here — the clipped guitar riff of Love Me, the cheesy sax solo during She’s American and the synths on A Change of Heart.
But it was the choruses from the band’s eclectic current album, A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships, that triumphed. From the acoustic ennui of I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes) to the politically charged Love It If We Made It, Healy’s lyrics suggested he may well be the voice of his generation. Brits glory surely beckons next month.
