The 1975 continues to build anticipation for its third LP, ‘A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships,’ with 5^th single, “I’m not Living (If It’s Not with You).” 

“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.” Hmm – seems like drugs are involved… British alternative band the 1975 have had an interesting promo campaign for their third studio album, A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships (arrives November 30, 2018).  Understatement. Prior to the release of their fourth advanced single, “Sincerity is Scary” (my personal favorite), none of the singles have been perfect or near-perfect. Perhaps “I’m Not Living (If It’s Not with You)” isn’t near-perfect, but it is enjoyable, respectable, and clearly personal.

There are plenty of selling points regarding “I’m Not Living (If It’s Not with You).”  The 80s styled production is almost always a winning sound for The 1975.  That’s the case once again here, with glistening keyboards, brilliant guitars, and a no-frills, but highly-effective drum groove anchoring things down.  Beyond the production, frontman Matthew Healey sounds compelling, even if he doesn’t absolutely wow or ‘exceed expectations’ per se.  Lyrically, there is unity as Healey reference ‘Danny’ throughout both verses. 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.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships seems like it has a chance to be a better album than anticipated.  “Sincerity is Scary,” along with “I’m Not Living (If It’s Not with You)” are both stronger than previous advance singles. “I’m Not Living (If It’s Not with You)” is well-produced, and maybe even more notably, has a notable theme and narrative.

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

Photo Credits: Interscope