The 1975

Is there anything like the ecstasy of a live gig? The smell of a dirty pub, alcohol, smoke, sweaty BO lads and over caked faced females. It’s beautiful! And there was no exception on the damp evening The 1975 decided to treat a sold out Splendour sideshow.

Perth hopefuls Tired Lion opened the night with their angry chick music. Don’t get us wrong, it’s great grunge but it wasn’t surprising that the full house had no clue who this rock chick was. They politely quivered their way through the set.

From a musicality viewpoint, this band is solid – if there wasn’t a negative angst stereotype around lead chick vocals of this type, this crew would explode, but the Aussie music scene isn’t accustomed it. Lead vocalist Sophie Hopes is spectacular in the way she crows her voice from deep husky to sweet ethereal melodies.

There really was no room to move by the time The 1975 took the stage. The lads are attractive and the crowd was bustled by just 18 females hoping to catch eyes and devour love at first sight.

Ditty City was the first to inspire as George Daniel beat his drums filling the expanse and energising squeals expelled from the aroused punters.

Matthew Healy flicked his long brown locks as he swooned his vocals like a long legged blonde. Healy is a heartbreaker wearing a bright blue buttoned up shirt, carefully stipulated to expose a front chest tattoo. We all know girls love the appeal of a lead singer/guitarist but this guy, this guy – he’s got the goods.

It isn’t just about their looks though - they can play! The bass and drums lock in with apparent loop parts and the electric guitar parts ride sweetly over top. These songs are beautifully arranged.

Guitarist Adam Hann knows how to ride his guitar and make those fingers toil majestic electric frequencies. Riding electric lines and accompanied synth parts ooze 70’s pop; Girl was a fun song demonstrating this charisma.

As Australians we love a sense of humour and they knew how to play us. Amping the crowd with the opening of Robbers before exclaiming “We aren’t playing that one.” Everyone laughed in amusement. Instead they moved into Settle Down, a great song to bop to.

For a sold out gig, you’d expect an encore but instead they joked, “it’s too small for show, we look like assholes.” Closing on three triumphant tunes Robbers, Chocolate & Sex. English Indie Rock – you can’t go past it and let’s be honest who doesn’t like a bit of Sex.

Published by Drum Media - Perth.