In 2002 Matthew, Adam, Ross, and George formed the UK pop quartet, The 1975. Collectively, the group has been known by a few different names, but finally decided on the date moniker after reading a Jack Kerouac novel. The 1975 have noted many influential acts such as Aretha Franklin, D’Angelo, and My Bloody Valentine. The guys’ versatile musical style makes it difficult to place them into a solid category.
Notes On A Conditional Form, The 1975’s latest album, was released on May 22, 2020, and reached number one on the UK and Australian music charts. “1975,” the self-titled opening track, embraces whimsical tonality with a piano and harp generated background. Greta Thunberg emphasizes an impactful time-sensitive message to the audience. The seventeen-year-old Swedish climate activist conveys the need to take Earth conservation efforts more seriously. Her prompts set the scene for the subsequent track. Enter “People”, a supercharged song with a heavy rock presence. Many listeners will find it to be fairly revolutionary, having many apparent calls to action for the reform of humanity. Matthew’s brash voice captivates as he screams out “Stop f***ing with the kids!” Phoebe Bridgers joins the quartet in the controversial single “Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America”. Acoustic guitar strums spark a wholesome feel, while the lyrics express how religion can restrict sexual freedoms. “Shiny Collarbone” is a must-listen for anyone in the mood for an electronic vibe. Without warning, the tempo switches from upbeat synthetics to a gradual adagio that accommodates the vocals of reggae artist Cutty Ranks. The 1975’s performance definitely sets them apart from typical pop bands.
Listening to Notes On a Conditional Form will be adventurous for most people. The 1975’s fourth studio album seems to contain a song from just about every genre. There are also a few overtures that provide an auditory rollercoaster of sorts. Someone is sure to find their favorite in this vast sea of exceptionally contemporary composition.
Rating: 7.0/10
