Live Review: The 1975

The entry lines to Festival Hall extend around the entire perimeter as hundreds of eager fans wait to enter the venue. It looks like many have secured their spots hours ago and, if dedicated enough, they could also pre-order The 1975’s new album and even have it signed. There’s way too much excitement around the place and the show hasn’t even begun.

The lights gradually dim as the white noise gets louder and louder to pre-empt a countdown. Deafening screams fill the hall as each band member takes their position on stage. It's been almost a year to the day since their last show in this same venue and tonight The 1975 return for their "proper fans" to share songs from the new album they've been away recording.

At times it's hard to even hear lead singer Matthew Healy's thick Manchester-accented vocal as the crowd shouts along with every single word. Some hardcore fans even sing along with some of the band's new tracks from their yet-to-be-released album. Healy tugs at his microphone lead to become a bit more fluid for Change Of Heart as he casually sips from a glass of red wine and smokes a cigarette. He demands everyone pay attention and be in the moment for a song, which he pointedly explains is about himself, called Me. Naturally, the audience obeys their idol and puts away their phones for a few songs as per his request to listen, connect and take in all of the music. To further excite the largely teenage-girl fanbase Healy removes his shirt and everyone in the mosh pit takes two steps back as things start to get a bit crazy. The saxophone during Falling For You calms everyone down, transitioning the pace into a slow groove.

Healy then gives us permission to jump around to the upbeat pop explosion of The Sound. Their new songs replicate the signature style that the band delivered on their debut album and Healy clarifies that there's 17 new songs to look forward when The 1975's second album drops in February.

Just when we think the screams can't get any louder, The 1975 return for an encore that starts off slow (and a bit flat), but then charges up the energy levels with popular favourites, Chocolate and Sex. During the final choruses, devoted fans run to the stage doors to catch one last glimpse of the band as they exit the venue toward their getaway car.