Hotly tipped and on many 2013 “to watch lists”, The 1975 release their third EP ‘Music For Cars’ after steadily gaining momentum before their anticipated debut album.
Anobrain:
The Manchester quartet eases you into this record with a slow, layered and mystical introduction having equal parts synth pop and ethereal. The haunting but smooth vocals of Matt show that this band is not just about strong melodies, but also about experimentation with many influences ranging through electro, guitar pop, indie and R+B.
Out of 10: 9/10
Chocolate:
The lead single from this EP serves a taster for what to expect at the festivals this summer with a slick production blended with a strong chorus. Similar to previous single ‘Sex’ in that they both have that stripped down and mellow style, which is well received for lacking attention-grabbing theatrics. This song jaunts in soft indie-guitar and a youthful melody which give it an atmospheric tone and is one which gets your feet tapping. The band have claimed to aim for simplicity in “classic pop sensibilities” and in the exploration of “discovery and novelty” and this certainly meets those aims with a wistful and breezy edge to it as compared to old versions lying in the depths of the internet (when they were under the names of Drive Like I Do and BIGSLEEP).
Out of 10: 8/10
Heads.Cars.Bending:
Layered samples, distorted guitars and a tuned voice give this song at first a strange vibe. But very quickly you find yourself drawn to the very catchy drum-machine produced beat and that James Blake-esque ‘click’. The major keys and reverb around the belting chorus of simply singing the title is enough to show why this band mean business.
Out of 10: 8/10
HNSCC:
Like the previous track, the band take themselves outside the box and conjure waves of soundscapes and delay induced flurries of excellence. This ‘interlude’ boasts instrumental magic and upon listening in your headphones loud you feel immersed in a different world.
Out of 10: 8.5/10
Me:
The longest song of the lot entails a slow steady drum kick and easing synth while Matt deeply warbles over the top. In my opinion, this is the best song on the album in terms of simplicity, production and ease of listening. The introduction of relaxing brass incorporates the novel influences of love, hope while also death and fear. This song cements the ideology of the band and the thought which goes into their tracks.
Out of 10: 9/10
Although the EP can seem a bit experimental and in a way schizophrenic, it’s a fantastically produced and made record which leaves many paths open for the debut album which will in turn cement their unique sound. The band are living up to the hype by producing increasingly more intelligent songs and so have secured themselves a place at the prestigious SXSW festival in Austin this year.
I am excited to see this band live again after almost 2 years at the Live at Leeds festival – catch them elsewhere on their recently announced UK tour or on the festival circuit.
The 1975 - Music For Cars EP
Out of 10: 8.5/10
Written by – Richard Maver
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