The 1975, A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships | Album Review

The 1975 delivers an interesting album with ‘A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships’ that’s imperfect, but chocked-full of interesting ideas.

Sometimes, a promo campaign can leave more questions than answers.  That was the case with the promo campaign for A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships, the third studio album by The 1975.  It was clear that Matthew Healy and company were in experimental mode, not to mention embracing modern-pop music.  Personally, I was a bit ‘turned off’ by A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships, but indulged nonetheless because of curiosity.  Ultimately, while it’s an imperfect affair, A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships has no shortage of ideas, not to mention some worthwhile moments.

“The 1975”

“The 1975” commences A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships ‘uniquely’ to say the least.  The sound is enigmatic and lush, while the vocals are chocked-full of effects.  Clearly, Matthew Healy and company embrace modern-pop to the fullest.

“You learn a couple of things when you get to my age
Like friends don’t lie and it all taste the same in the dark
When your vinyl and your coffee collection is a sign of the times
You’re getting spiritually enlightened at 29.”

Lyrically and thematically, on “Give Yourself a Try”, Healy reflects on adulthood and living life to the fullest. Throughout the course of the song, he looks back on his past, how he’s matured, and how he plans on living now. Notably, he references a girl – a fan of the band – who committed suicide at 16, likely as motivation to embrace trueness to self and living. The message is a selling point. Furthermore, Healy’s vocals sound great, if the slightest bit overpowered by the production.  Unfortunately, the production irks with the distorted, looped, upper register guitar, which grows utterly annoying.

“TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME”

“TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME” is a tropically-tinged, electro-pop infused alternative record, whatever that really means. The groove is undeniable, if completely uncharacteristic of the band.  Furthermore, Healy has autotune on his vocals. Apparently, The 1975 seem to be going for pop within an alternative context.  Again, it’s odd and uncharacteristic.  Making things even weirder and even cringe-worthy is the tongue-in-cheek, wordplay of the chorus:

“But I only called her one time
Maybe it was two times?
Don’t think it was three times
Didn’t mean to two-time ya, two-time ya.”

What more can you say but “oh brother.” Sure, there’s a camp that will likely ‘Stan’ for “TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME” but as for me, it’s not my cup of tea.

“How to Draw / Petrichor” is among the most bizarre records on A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships.  Mostly instrumental, the two-part, nearly six-minute song initially seems more vibes than in-depth, meaningful lyrics.  “How to Draw” features merely three lines of lyrics, with two being repeated.  As for “Petrichor” (a pleasant smell that frequently accompanies the first rain of a long period of warm, dry weather), lyrically, Healy is referencing personal matters.  While the personal touch is admirable, it’s not clearly conveyed given the heavy vocal effects.

“Love It If We Made It”

“We’re fucking in a car, shooting heroin / Saying controversial things just for the hell of it.”  Prior to the first of many incredibly loud, edgy moments from ✓ “Love It If We Made It”, The 1975 does a great job of establishing a driving rhythm.  This isn’t a fast cut, but the rhythm helps to keep things moving.  Another selling point is the energy of Healy.  Sure, he’s overindulgent and absolutely too loud, but at least he’s exuberant in his execution, which is particularly great on the simple, but effective chorus (“And I’d love it if we made it / Yes, I’d love it if we made it”).  What knocks “Love it If We Made It” down a peg is that the record feels crammed with absolutely too much – there’s very little breathing space and not enough dynamic variation.

“Be My Mistake” is one of the more beautiful records from A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships.  The instrumental backdrop, composed primarily of keyboard and acoustic guitar, is incredibly fitting.  Furthermore, Healy delivers a superb vocal.  The biggest rub, however, is that “Be My Mistake” never percolates – it remains static, where an extra push may have taken it to the next level.

“Sincerity is Scary”

“And irony is okay, I suppose, culture is to blame / You try and mask your pain in the most postmodern way…” Hmm, intellectual and poetic to say the least. ✓ “Sincerity is Scary” features a unique sound, blending jazz and R&B.  If you’re looking for a song from the band’s discography featuring similar elements, think of the gospel-tinged “If I Don’t Believe You” from I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it. Helping to shape that beautiful, lush and distinct sound is the use of chorus pad, brass, and piano among other instruments. Healy delivers beautiful vocals once more, and gets a lift from a choir on the chorus, incorporating the aforementioned gospel influence. The chorus is the best part of the song.

“I Like America & America Likes Me” is another experimental moment from The 1975.  Once more, the vocal effects are at an all-time high, while the influence of modern hip-hop is clearly perceptible.  Healy channels his inner melodic-/pop-rap persona, with suspect results in my opinion.  Some may love this, but personally, it’s a misstep.  Keeping things odd, “The Man Who Married a Robot / Love Theme” finds the band exploring an unhealthy, totally outlandish relationship with the internet.  It’s ultimately crazy, but after seeing the movie Her, perhaps it’s really not that far-fetched. Give the band credit for pushing the envelope if nothing else.

“Inside Your Mind” 

“Maybe you are dreaming you’re in love with me / They only option left is to look and see / Inside your mind.” On “Inside Your Mind,” The 1975 slackens the pace, often the case throughout A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships.  Thoughtful, Healy is experiencing trust issues, wondering what his girlfriend really thinks about him, and how committed she is.  It’s a relatable record, if it still could stand to ascend to the next level musically.

“And all I do is sit and think about you / If I knew what you’d do / Collapse my veins, wearing beautiful shoes / It’s not living if it’s not with you.” ✓ “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not with You)” picks up the tempo and sounds like it could’ve been at home in the 1980s.  Obviously, The 1975 thrive with that sound, and “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not with You)” is no exception.  There are glistening keyboards, brilliant guitars, and a highly-effective drum groove.  Beyond the production, Healey sounds compelling, referencing addiction to drugs. Character ‘Danny’ is a drug addict, and of course, Healey has had his issues with drugs as well – “He’s [Danny] gotta search the street when he’s on vacation / The worst thing is that I’m in the same situation.” On the first full-length chorus of “I’m Not Living (If It’s Not with You),” Healy adds:

“All I do is sit and drink without you
If I choose then I lose
Distract my brain from the terrible news
It’s not living if it’s not with you.”

“Surrounded by Heads and Bodies”

“Surrounded by Heads and Bodies” begins a series of ballads on the album.  All of these ballads have redeeming qualities, but also come off imperfect.  “Surrounded by Heads and Bodies” is thoughtful, dedicated to Angela, a patient at Healy’s rehab facility.  While it’s haunting and beautiful, there’s still the desire that Healy will infuse some extra oomph.  “Mine” radiantly incorporates jazz into the script, and comes off a smidgen more alluring compared to “Surrounded by Heads and Bodies.” It’s still a lot of slow pace in one setting, but again, give The 1975 credit for trying new things.

“I Couldn’t Be More in Love” closes out a trio of ballads, looking to 80s R&B for stylistic inspiration. Once more, Healy sounds terrific, while the musical backdrop shines. “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)” concludes A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships with a bit more tempo and, thankfully, some more rock cues.  Crossing over the five-minute mark, The 1975 give us a strong, driving groove, lush strings, and some turned-up guitars.  The chorus is simple, yet melodically captivating.

Final Thoughts

Going into A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships, it was very hard to tell what The 1975 would deliver.  The promotional campaign was suspect, and that’s still the case to some extent on this project.  That said, Matt Healy and company always have some interesting ideas, and you definitely can’t knock their willingness to experiment stylistically. It doesn’t always work mind you, but A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships has its moments.

✓ Gems: “Love It If We Made It,” “Sincerity is Scary” & “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not with You)”

The 1975 » A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships » Interscope » Release: 11.30.18

Photo Credit: Interscope