This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
British pop-rockers 1975 get downright and reasonably funky on its latest album with a title so long it will barely fit anywhere. For the record, the 17-track release is called "I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it."
Also, for the record, it sparkles with a funky and experimental punch.
"I like it...," the band's second full-length album, owes its cohesion to the upmarket vocals of lead singer Matthew Healy, as well as a refined mixing effort that nicely blends the various traditional and modern sounds. "She's American" offers up rhythmic guitar work that gives to some nicely delivered futuristic synth work.
There's even a very soulful slow jam on here, in "If I Believe You," on which Healy carries the day with some super smooth vocals. This is serious turn-down-the-lights-and-stoke-the-fire music if ever there was any.
In lesser hands, the 1975's latest music might sound dated and a bit too referential to a late '80s, early '90s vibe. But the band has truly dosed this release up with enough modern production and sound elements to keep from falling into any traps. This is pleasing stuff and the 1975 certainly knows its way around a sexy love song.