On the 18 January 2015, The 1975 rolled in with the blistering Brisbane heatwave to complete their Australian leg of their tour at the RNA Showgrounds' The Marquee.
As a sweltering crowd waited in anticipation for The 1975’s first Brisbane appearance, taking in the absolute magnificence of the set design was a treat. It was clear that the tracks being played on the PA were amping up the crowd for what was to come. With a loud, collective scream, Matthew Healy (vocals, guitar), Adam Hann (guitar), George Daniel (drums, backing vocals) and Ross MacDonald (bass) coyly strolled on stage.
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As they played their first song, it was clear they performed perfectly as a cohesive band, and that they all fed off of each other's own, unique energy. As Matt engaged with the crowd expertly, the other band members played up to it, and kept the music going. The band's reputation is deeply seeded in the mysterious, so it wasn’t surprising that the only engagement came from their leader, which in turn kept the crowd wanting more.
As their set progressed, they performed hit after hit including trademarked deep and lyrically inspiring songs such as ‘Menswear’ and ‘Fallingforyou’, with Matt giving a small snippet about what inspired each track, while also belting out some of their more dancy, poppy tracks like ‘Girls’ and ‘Sex’. To a keen listener though, it might have been apparent that some of the lead vocals weren't being hit, and that the more intense parts and the notes that followed weren’t being given the energy that they might have deserved, although it might have been put down to the personal and emotional attachments to the songs they have written.
Image © Dog And Fox CreativesWith each extraordinary song came a great beat to match, and as their sound carried to the far edges of The Marquee, you could feel a current running through the ground and the crowd, electrifying each fierce movement. But with these powerful ballads came softer, more personal melodies that made you slow down and appreciate the workmanship and definition they put into their songs. These slower songs left the crowd hanging literally; whenever there were a musically silent moment, you could feel the crowd's arms strung up, waiting for the music to drop again.
Image © Dog And Fox CreativesAs amazing as each song was, for creatives in attendance, the set itself was designed to complement the overall aesthetic of the band. With their signature rectangles of light, fog and lasers, it was a spectacle for the eyes and cameras alike, with not a dull moment ever occurring. There were five, rectangular shapes behind the band, which lit up accordingly to each song being played depending on the song, it might be just one or many lit up, with many other variations occurring as well.
Overall, it was a show that really pushed the boundaries of a typical concert. It was more than just a gig, but an experience, with The 1975 really making an effort to stand out. They engaged the crowd telling us that moments were precious and should be lived without phones.
Image © Dog And Fox CreativesThey then threw a curveball at the end by respectfully not playing an encore, which enhanced the feeling they really gave it their all for the entire performance.
Just like a satisfying meal, The 1975 filled us up from the inside, but left us wanting more.
Image © Dog And Fox Creatives
