The 1975 w/ Pale Waves
WaMu Theater, Seattle, WA
04.30.17
Young teenage fans from across the Seattle area converged on WaMu Theater in hopes to get inside early for a close spot to see The 1975 on their North American tour. Returning to Seattle one year and two days since their last performance at the same venue, this was to be their last touring in support of their second album I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It.
The opening band, Pale Waves, delivered a grunge version of modern day British pop music. A song called “Obsession” sounded like a crowd pleaser from the cheers and dancing. This Manchester grunge pop band was the perfect opener for The 1975. Their sound was familiar to The 1975’s first record but with more of a “Naked and Famous” variety added to them with the female-fronted vocals.
After Pale Waves’ last song ended, all the stage lights went bright white holding steady. The slowly became dimmer and dimmer, building up the anticipation for The 1975.
The 1975 kicked off their set with high energy and endlessly screaming fans. A majority of which were Snapchat-crazed teenage girls, who pushed their way to reach the front of the stage in an attempt to get as close as possible. Frontmant Matthew Healy took note of the crowd excitement as well, and mentioned this is a much larger show than they played during their last visit to Seattle.
Each song featured vastly different lighting and stage effects. The entire performance was like a collection of visual soundtracks to each song. One moment the lights and vibrant music paired with a nighttime cityscape backdrop. Next, the fractal and echoed melodies reflected the images of being suspended within a spinning prism. This was followed by soothing undulating rhythms as the lights imitated waves and sinking to the bottom of the ocean. It was easy to get immersed into each distinct song. The constant change from lively to mellow deeply diversified the show both visually and audibly.
Half way through the set Healy asked, non-patronizingly, that the crowd pause from using their phones to enjoy the next three minutes without interruptions. He continued with a heartfelt message, that it is his hope that music can help take people away from their troubles – even if it is just for a moment. He explained how that strengthens his desire to perform and reaffirms that “pop music may actually have a tangible value.” The fans obliged and the entire venue was filled with focused energy and a mutual appreciation for music.
In all, The 1975 delivered a dynamic, artistic, and talented performance that distinguishes them as so much more than just a pop rock band.
Review by Allie Leaf
Photos by Logan Westom
Pale Waves
