The 1975 Sound Has A Likable 1980s Ring

Uniquely enough England's The 1975 does a spot-on imitation of 1980s gloss pop on "The Sound". Think about it with me for a moment. Ross McDonald's keyboards have that glow of any one of a number of your guilty pleasure tunes from that decade. Vocalist Matthew Healy looks every bit the hunk as he takes his place behind the mike stand. Adam Hann knows when to turn on the spigot for his guitar. Conversely he has enough sense to stay silent. George Daniel could be accused of soft peddle drumming but that's why "The Sound" succeeds in its quest to evoke that Big '80s rock spirit pepped up on studio production that obviously cost a pretty penny to set in line this convincingly. Know this, Buzz backer pals of mine. Feet will shuffle. Bodies will hop all over the damned place. Maybe even a loose earring will wind up left on the bar floor before the night is over. I concur you'll have little trouble warming up to "The Sound" due to the "let's not be accused of taking ourselves too seriously" attitude the guys put in full view. The video spits out condemnation after condemnation of the band's brand of cater to the masses fare. Lyrically Matthew does get some winners jotted down. The third verse is lousy with inspired musings. For Matthew "It's not about reciprocation it's just all about me, a sycophantic, prophetic, Socratic junkie wannabe. There's so much skin to see. A simple Epicurean Philosophy. And you say I'm such a cliche, I can't see the difference either way. And we left things to protect my mental health. But you call me when you're bored and playing with yourself. That's priceless, no other way to put it. It's a key factor in "The Sound" not being disposable schlock but instead racing to the finish line as a bon bon that was and is well worth popping into your mouth a few times for the sheer pleasure of identifying the candy swimming around in your throat. One of the video's barbs tags The 1975 as "derivative". I don't see how that's believable because a lot of great art borrows from somebody else. There had to be a beginning phase in art history to get us to where we are now. "The Sound" doesn't lack for a lively back beat. This technique begs you to let loose, be in the moment, and be glad that you're you. And I beg to differ with the notion that Matthew lacks any charisma as a vocalist. Sure, he won't be accused of being the second coming of Michael Hutchence but he's not hard to look at. Again, it's his talent with lyrics that keep him from being easily tossed off and forever after being thought of as yesterday's reheated news. If it's a cosmopolitan night out you seek, "The Sound" can help you out courtesy of a zing laden backdrop covered in chewy 1980s goodness. "The Sound" comes in loud, clear, and convincingly dressed.