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Music Review

The 1975: 'The 1975' - Album review

Released on Thursday, Aug 29 2013

The 1975 album artwork.
As the cyclical music machine chugs along, a recent surge in '90s revival can only signal the impending return of Britpop. Some will say that testosterone-fueled bands with loud guitars and even louder opinions have never disappeared, but we're inclined to suggest that a new wave of Britpop is on the horizon. Manchester's The 1975 have generated considerable buzz with a series of EPs ahead of their debut album, but don't write them off as just another lad-rock band talking about sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll.

Of course, current re-released single 'Sex' - which centres around getting your leg over ("If we can't do anything we might as well just f**k") while soundtracked to stadium-worthy riffs and punchy beats - would have you believe otherwise, but there is so much more to their self-titled debut set. Fellow EP releases 'The City' and 'Chocolate' only spur on the guitar-dominated image, but little flourishes of synth-pop chords only hint at things to come on the album.

We're not saying The 1975 aren't primarily a rock band, but they're certainly not afraid to dabble in other genres. 'M.O.N.E.Y.' hears frontman Matt Healy's swirling robotic vocals over light R&B claps, before a guitar funk line reinforces the decade their namesake comes from. What's more, 'Heart Out' is out-and-out synth-supported popness, with addictive grooves and a lovelorn sentiment ("Why don't you figure my heart out?")

Michael Jackson-inspired 'Settle Down' brings both sides of The 1975 together, as slick guitar riffs twirl around an ear-snagging chorus, while 'Girls' is an infectious disco-tinged number that is destined for success in a post 'Get Lucky' chart. Brace yourselves: a new Britpop era is upon us - but with The 1975's debut at the helm, it's likely to be one full of surprises.

Tracks to download: 'Sex', 'The City', 'M.O.N.E.Y.', 'Heart Out', 'Robbers', 'Girls'
If you like this, you'll like: Passion Pit, Vampire Weekend, St. Lucia

Watch the music video for The 1975's 'Sex' below:

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