Nearly seven months after the release of the album’s initial single; “Give Yourself a Try”, The 1975 drop off their junior album. Announced as the first of a two-part musical conglomerate, entitled “Music for Cars”, “A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships” takes the band into a refreshing new direction, in an attempt to encapsulate the 21st century through music, expressing their fears for the future along the way (more on that later). {The second half of Music for Cars, entitled “Notes on a Conditional Form” is due out sometime in 2019, according to lead singer Matt Healy.}
Ever since The 1975 burst onto the scene in 2013 with their self-titled debut album, including the record’s fourth single; “Robbers”, their rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Following an encouraging first effort, and thanks to hit song; “Chocolate”, the band was in increasingly higher demand, and with that, under significantly more pressure to deliver. On Chocolate, a catchy hook revolves around, of course,“chocolate”, a metaphor for smoking weed, and fleeing the cops in a small town to chase thrills – a track that was instantly relatable for many.
After a brief hiatus, and with a successful debut album under their belt, The 1975 took aim at the stars with 2016’s; “I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful, yet so unaware of it”. The sophomore album brought the band into the limelight, as one of the most exciting bands in music; a genuinely unique blend of electronic, pop, and indie tones. Regarded as one of the best albums of the year, thanks in part to hits such as “Somebody Else”, and lustful anthem “The Sound”, the band’s ascension was seemingly complete.
Despite their successes, the 1975 have often been regarded as a band whose rabid ambition and potential is muddled down by filler tracks and overblown pop experiments. While their first two albums helped display some of their immense potential, it also showed glimpses of these weaknesses. My complaint has long been that Healy’s band needs a cohesive album with one poignant message. With 2018’s “An Inquiry into Online Relationships”, we are given just that.
A very light intro, soft piano cords. Matt Healy just came out of nowhere with a distorted-autotuned voice that sounds like a Francis and the Lights mix. Apparently, it’s entitled “ABOIIR”. The 1975 have long been known for conservative intro tracks, and this one is no different. An easy-going start.
Our slow start gives way to the album’s initial single. This one is a keeper though, and was the perfect remedy to the band’s hiatus. Catchy guitar chords flow easily over the lead vocals, in which Healy encourages us to “give yourself a try”, to take a chance, and see where life takes us, and avoid the mistakes he has made. “The only apparatus required for happiness is your pain and fucking going outside” – this line is key to the central themes of the album, going against the modern obsession with the internet and social media, and simply enjoying the sun’s rays on your face.
One of the simpler songs on the album, albeit with the best name. “I only called her one time, maybe it was two times” – cheating in the digital is easier in an accessibility sense, yet more challenging to hide (thankfully). A lack of ability to focus, thanks to our evermoving society, makes these poor decisions as easy as ever to make. A fun and upbeat track to hide sadder lyrics, Inquiry’s “The Sound”.
We’re back on the brakes. Very mellow song. Xylophone it sounds like. Haunting vocals come in over the instruments. “I’ve not learned how to draw”, I believe he said. He has yet to master his craft and it bothers him, an unfinished product in a sense. Though music is forever that way. The second half is turning into an electronic banger. What is happening. The 1975’s ode to Yeezus. “Don’t let the internet ruin your time” – a line to sum up the album is dropped in the fourth track by what sounded like an underwater Healy.
OKAY we are hitting our stride now. This is a lot to take in. These are powerful lyrics. “Selling melanin and then suffocate the black men” – this is as lyrical as I’ve ever heard The 1975. Healy just shouted out Lil Peep. Can’t tell if that was a dig at Kanye or not. This might be the best song they’ve ever made. ” I’d love it if we made it”- after discussing a variety of social topics and issues, Healy proclaims his deep desire for us to find the light on the other side of the tunnel. This is already their best album.
This is quite the comedown after that absolute bop. Our lead singer wants to call her over when he’s lonely, instead of keeping her waiting. It is rather beautiful, but this song is oddly placed. I imagine it would have fit better in the album’s B side. Not a bad track.
Another single. This is the one that got me most excited for the album. Funky jazz influences, totally different vibe from any other song so far. Very catchy hook. Insecurity and anxieties get in the way of everyday life, and lead to issues. It’s okay to be sincere to each other, and honest, instead of cynical and sarcastic. Powerful track with an excellent message. This should’ve been right after Love It-.
Hip hop drums coming in on this one. Healy is discussing gun control. He begs us to listen to what he has to say and what is happening. Great method to push forward his stance. I could see this being one of the more divisive tracks on the album. The auto tune is a little excessive. Not bad, but not great.
Gorgeous piano cords in the beginning. A Siri-type voice is telling us the story of a man falling in love with a computer. That’s right. Shit just got interesting. This is HER: The Musical. The man claimed to have had friends but died alone with just his Facebook page to remember him by. Interesting skit. I see what they wanted to do with this, but it was hit and miss with me. The Love Theme is gorgeous. This is one I probably won’t listen to again. Have to give them credit for the commentary on society though, which is on point with the album’s themes.
Another slow-moving B side ballet. Healy wants to crack open his girl’s skull Gone-Girl style. The guitar riff here is very memorable. Catchy song, but not exactly what I wanted from this album. Feels like a leftover from When You Sleep. Will probably sound better reflecting on life in your car with the windows down driving at night. Actually, it almost certainly will. Shit okay, it’s not bad at all.
Oh, here we f***ing go, we’re back on our 80’s pop grind. Another song with incredibly dark lyrics that are hidden with a fun beat. Healy is describing the heroin addiction he has been dealing with. It’s incredible to hear him opening up to the listener about his struggle, and how hard it is to resist. Great track. This is potential realized.
A track dedicated to a friend of Healy’s who was recovering from heroin addiction with him, continuing with the theme of the previous track. No offense to Angela, but this one isn’t great. Would’ve probably functioned better as a bonus track. That being said, it is very interesting to more about our lead singer’s story. Another song with very delicate instrumentals and vocals. Forgettable.
“There comes a time in a young man’s life. He should settle down and find himself a wife.” This one is smooth. Alvin and the Chipmunk sounds keep coming in and out. Healy says he fights crime online sometimes, then writes lines he hides behind (!). Very powerful wording here, as he suggests that his vague wording allows him to say controversial things without being totally understood. Settling down isn’t easy. This could easily be in a romantic comedy, at the point where the guy screws things up one more time before he gets her.
Healy is feeling the vibes. And suddenly I’m slow dancing at prom. Or am I in the corner taking a swig from a flask? Who knows. Regardless, this is full on 80s. According to the band, this song is about a future in which The 1975’s fans no longer care for their music. Healy sounds hurt. Interesting track, and not the direction I was expecting it to take.
“I bet you thought you thought your life would change, but you’re sat on a train again”. Everyday life is exhausting, there’s no debating that. I think we all kind of feel like we want to die sometimes. It’s become so common that it’s basically a meme in our digital age, that often isn’t meant to be totally serious. Healy is telling us that it’s okay, we are all going through this together. Good outro. Dude nails the falsetto. Fades to silence smoothly. Well done.
VERDICT:
Overall, this is by far the best composition that The 1975 has ever put together. By diving into a theme as prevalent as social media and the digital age, the lyrics are instantly relatable, and easily digested. Healy puts on a show and the band depicts a future that we should all fear (unless you really love computers). There isn’t much by the way of fillers here, though some songs struggle to find a purpose (By My Mistake, Surrounded by Heads). A late entry for one of the year’s better albums (in a year full of them, mind you) this isn’t one that will be soon forgotten. In fact, it may only become more important as time goes on.
RATING: 8.1/10
BEST SONGS: Love It If We Made It, Sincerity is Scary, Give Yourself a Try, It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)
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