Following a colossal year achieving ultimate chart success and playing almost every Summer festival, The 1975 took pleasure in celebrating all of this on their fully sold-out UK tour. The packed Concorde 2 saw an audience of all ages come together to join in the revelry before the insatiably popular band leave these intimate surroundings to embark on awaiting arenas and main stages.
With their self titled album reaching number one, the Manchester indie rock quartet have been enjoying what has been their year. Singles “Chocolate”, ‘The City” and “Sex” include influences such as Talking Heads, New Order and Prince, indicative of the bands somewhat mainstream appeal. Reflecting that, tonight’s audience varies from snap-back wearing hipsters to middle aged music lovers.
Having played a whole host of shows this year, the band almost looks intimidated by the level of admiration they have achieved tonight. With their heads held down throughout, a shy but endearing nervousness slightly distracts from the catchy pop rifts and pitch perfect vocals. Opener, single “The City” sets the tone for tonight’s party with every word echoed back and arms flailing. As they storm through a set of singles and album tracks with little crowd interaction but enough occasional banter, the songs sound almost stripped back live, providing more focus on the bands playing abilities.
As the opening bars of “Chocolate” descend, it feels as if The 1975 are almost beyond venues such as Concorde2, only making the event feel like more of a “moment” for those there. Huge energy emanates from the crowd throughout, making for an electric atmosphere. Cheers and whistles take possession of the room, followed by the questionable chanting of “We want SEX!” and of course the boys deliver just that to a raucous applause-led and enthralling encore.
Follow the band at the1975.com
facebook.com/the1975
concorde2.co.uk
Words by Amber Ainsworth
Photography Emma Holness
