The 1975 // A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships

The 1975

A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships

Dirty Hit/Interscope

4.5/5 Stars

For a pop record, this is one that seeks to be something more and ultimately succeeds. Coming from one of the more buzzed-about bands in recent years, it sets its sights high, and doesn't pretend not to. Although it's practically oozing with over-wrought, navel-gazing adolescent moments, the sincerity shines through — just try not to roll your eyes when simply reading the album's title. It's easily listenable, marked chiefly by the second track and first single "Give Yourself a Try," a sometimes humorous muse on the pitfalls of aging, atop a bright, repetitive background. The band's use of keyboards and synthesizers is as prevalent as ever, and is less of a Passion Pit-like piece, verging into something new and more inventive. The jazz-inspired musical blend of "Sincerity Is Scary" is nearly perfect, a free-flowing, midtempo daytime meditation. There's the unforgettable beauty of "The Man Who Married a Robot/Love Theme," an obvious, yet heartbreaking vignette spoken though a digitized voice. True beauty abounds in nearly every one of the 15 tracks, an ingredient that's not readily available to most artists. — Nick Warren