After releasing many sketchy singles in advance of A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships, The 1975 improve on 4th single, “Sincerity is Scary.”

“And irony is okay, I suppose, culture is to blame / You try and mask your pain in the most postmodern way…” Intellectual and poetic – that’s a good sign. Up to this point, 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).  None of the singles have been perfect or near-perfect, at least from my perspective, sigh.  Basically, what I’m saying is, the anticipation for the arrival of new album is minimal – expectations have been tempered. Perhaps the fourth advance single, “Sincerity is Scary” brings renewed hope.

First and foremost, it should be made crystal clear that “Sincerity is Scary” is NOT perfect.  That said, there are more qualities to like about this single compared to “Give Yourself a Try”, “TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME”, and “Love It If We Made It”. Perhaps the biggest selling point is the production.  “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 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.

Another selling point in regards to “Sincerity is Scary?” None other than the beautiful vocals by Matthew Healy.  He gets a lift from a choir on the chorus, incorporating the aforementioned gospel influence. Naturally, the chorus is the best part of the song:

“Why can’t we be friends, when we are loves? / ‘Cause it always ends with us hating each other / Instead of calling me out, you should be pulling me in / I’ve just got one more thing to say.”

Final Thoughts 

It seemed that A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships was on its way to imminent doom.  Perhaps that’s still the case, but “Sincerity is Scary” gives the listeners hope.  From my perspective, the best advance single yet from The 1975 this cycle.

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

Photo Credits: Interscope