By Lydia Velazquez ’17

When asked about Manchester-based alternative rock band The 1975, most are probably only able to identify their song “Chocolate” from their debut, self-titled album back in 2013. It was only this past February that the band finally released new music, their sophomore album, “I Like When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It.”

When they emerged onto the scene, The 1975 had a similar sound to that of any other pop-rock band, with a hint of grunge balanced with pop guitar riffs, yet their new album reaches more broadly across the music spectrum. “I Like When You Sleep” reflects heavy influence from ‘80s bands, such as INXS, with incorporations of synth and gospel-esque background vocals.

The variation in sound is intentional. Lead vocalist Matty Healy has mentioned in interviews since the album’s release that he believes genres are a restriction and this album’s versatility is a challenge to the structure of musical categories.

The ideas discussed in the album vary just as much as the music, yet umbrella under a major theme of combating identity and acceptance. Particular songs that express issues more directly are “If I Believe You,” a pop-rock sounding, gospel-esque ballad about struggling with spirituality and “The Ballad of Me and My Brain,” a crooning, short song similar to the band’s earlier sound about dealing with mental illness. One of the standout songs on the record is “The Sound,” which embodies a playful tone and dance party groove that will get listeners on their feet.

Nonetheless, there are aspects of the album that are rather disappointing. One of the major ones being the inclusion of sound effects, in almost all the songs, that give off the vibe of a bedroom lo-fi project. There is even an entire song on the album that is entirely “instrumental” or rather, roughly five minutes of electro-pop sounds with few instruments actually playing.

Regardless, the album is one with variety that holds its own in an industry with lots of similar artists. The stark contrast of the upbeat instrumental to the brooding lyrics creates an artistically beautiful and individualistic album overall.

Grade: B