Penelope Misceo
Staff Writer
The 1975’s latest album, “A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships” satisfies long-time fans, but doesn’t impress new listeners.
“A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships” presents divergent tones and ambience, and subtly provokes emotion through the group’s lead singer, Matt Healy. However, it struggles to grasp the attention of listeners who don’t have prior knowledge of the band and its history because of its references to the personal lives of the band members.
Formed in 2002, The 1975 consists of lead singer Matt Healy, drummer George Daniel, guitarist and keyboardist Adam Hann, and bassist Ross MacDonald. Their first self-titled album debuted at the top of the UK Albums Chart, and their 2016 album, “I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It,” was surrounded with buzz and controversy because of its eventual release after a long hiatus.
“A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships” is the group’s third studio album and consists of 15 tracks. The album was released on Nov. 30 by the independent record label, Dirty Hit. It was produced by band members and producers, Matt Healy and George Daniel.
The album pays tribute to many different styles of music, while also staying true to its own unique sound, which is a mix of indie and rock. Each song presents a different type of emotional value, and vaguely resembles throwback tracks that listeners will have an equivocal connection with.
The track, “It’s Not Living (if It’s Not With You)” exemplifies nostalgia with its modern take on old-fashioned sounds, and contains a strong melody with a catchy tune. This is the album’s strongest track and lays a powerful foundation for the rest of the album.
The group surely experiments on this album, creating songs that are similar and cohesive, yet unique. Each track has its own distinctive tone, but also references similar sounds from the other songs. Tracks like “The Man Who Married a Robot/Love Theme” utilize spoken word to send a message to the listener, as well as get a point across in a dramatic way. The rest of the album matches this creativity with other forms of refreshing, new sounds.
The album displays diversity, through both soft, emotional tracks, and exciting, evocative sounds. It subtly discusses the group’s lead singer, Matt Healy, and his recent struggle with drug addiction. The group clearly creates a connection and familiarity within each track, comforting loyal listeners of the band. While it provides sounds similar to their previous album, it is difficult for new listeners to appreciate the release.
The album creates a fulfilling interrelation between each track, and each song tells a story. The tone of the album is consistent and is an easy listen. However, the album seems to lack a climax, and although they weave well together, the tracks seem to remain flat.
“A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships” is an evocative release from The 1975. Although some tracks are anticlimactic and flat, the overall atmosphere and uniqueness impresses loyal listeners of the group. The intent and message behind each track is evident, making the release a worthy listen.
Released on Nov. 30, a “A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships” is available for stream on Apple Music and Spotify, and can be purchased on Itunes and Youtube.
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