Let me begin with the opening act; 070 Shake was fire. She was all about motivation, staying true to yourself, and not letting anyone/anything getting to you and knocking you down. Her most well known song is "Trust Nobody" which along with the rest of her songs performed, was absolutely solid. I will admit that it may not be necessarily my taste in music, but I feel that simply justifies what I am trying to say. She worked on constantly trying to push and motivate her audience, both to get you involved in her music and in life. Just a year ago, she was in the audience, awaiting anxiously for her favorite artist to appear on stage and have the time of her life and now she gets to be that artist. She has chosen to use this outlet to make a change and will very clearly not shy away from it. I highly recommend her to anyone who just wants to have a solid jam session or wants to find a deeper meaning. Her music definitely satisfies both.
Now on to an unforgettable experience:
The 1975 plays music I never really know how to describe to begin with. It is so unique to them and who they are as a band, that trying to define them really does not feel right. It might be cheesy and sound slightly angst-y, but they are not a group that really comes with a label. Whenever someone asks me what kind of music they play, I always say they are "British... Indie... Rock... Pop-y-ish..." and then leave it at that. Suddenly, right before this concert began, I finally found the word. Eclectic. That is exactly how I would describe them. I do not define them in the sense of genre, but their wide range of influences definitely pile up, allowing them to bring in a new sound that is The 1975 and nobody else. With a very heavy 80's influence, they are one of a kind in our generation and are bringing changes to the current music scene. They're most known for their song "Chocolate," but I highly recommend checking out all of their stuff to get a feel on whether or not you will like them or not.
This concert was such a different experience compared to the first time I saw them. I have seen many artists live more than once, watching how they have grown from one tour to another, but these guys definitely surprised me big time. Don't get me wrong, I loved them both times around, but this second show presented me with insight on how they have grown. Not only is there a difference in sound, but there is a difference in image (from the black and white to now pink and white with the touch of flowers), performance, stage presence, audience interaction, and simply in who they are as individuals. Their maturity level has increased by so much and in no way failed to remain true to themselves. I guess in the simplest words I can find, they grew within themselves. They allowed their music to come from their changes as people, as opposed to changing based on their music. Their growth is by them, for them, at their pace, in their time.
The biggest change that appeared to me was from Matty. Matthew Healy is the lead singer of this group who completely changed my perspective on people. I don't want to dwell too deeply on how he changed my personal views, but I do want to say that his growth, his experiences, who he has set himself on the path to be, have strengthened him as both an artist and a person. This allowed him to present one phenomenal concert experience and make it more enjoyable than ever before.
The beauty of going from their first album, The 1975, to their second album I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it, is how easy it is to follow along their journey. It's a story and the first album was simply the first chapter, leading into the second one. There are many references from the first album done in the second album and they did not fail to make this statement in the set up of their songs. The set-list of the show helped outline this beautifully. Maybe all of this was not their intention, but what I picked up from it was how despite their growth (the new songs), it is not uncommon to fall back (playing older songs in between the ones they specifically related to). As is life, when we all sometimes take a couple of steps back, but can always work on taking three steps forward.
Their performance was wild, in the best way possible. It was incredibly artistic, full of beautiful background visuals that brought their songs more depth, really pulling you in and giving the audience members more of an insight to what the song is and what the band wants it to come across as. They have specific songs that are very heavy instrumentally which were used as transitions toward the other half of their set-list and I do not think it could have been a more perfect set up.
My absolute favorite song of the night was when they played "The Sound" which was definitely the most solid ending to any concert I have ever attended. Talk about a cheesy "fans jumping up and down in the pit while looking up at their favorite artist, feeling like the only moment that matters is right here, right now, and the world could start crashing down outside but no one will notice" kind of moment. Super cinematic, edgy, fun, upbeat, and so unbelievably enjoyable. The energy and the rush that it provided was enough to elevate the crowd and create this amazing sense of "oneness." It was an incredibly strong part of their audience interaction and my favorite bit of any concert I have ever been to.
I have so much more I can possibly say, but I am overwhelmed with so much emotion and here I am, a week later and I am still struggling with putting words to my experience. I am thankful for it. More thankful than I could let the world know. Yet here I am, attempting to put words to this. Instead, I'll post some pictures below and hopefully I could bring some part of my experience to your everyday life.
