There is some of the bands best work within a very wayward album number 4. It will divide people but deserves respect for what it offers. The question I’m left with this LP, is that….could of it been split into two for the Music For Cars era? Nevertheless this a must listen record by Britain’s most defining band of the last 10 years.
Album Artwork- released by Dirty Hit
Notes On A Conditional Form begins with such an impact, the Greta Thunberg’s essay on Climate Change and the need for civil disobedience regarding the humanitarian crisis. It’s an iconic piece that leaves you thinking we are on the edge of change when Greta ends with ‘rebel’ (sadly a long way to go).
We then get hit for six with the monstrous rock song ‘People’. It’s calling us to ‘WAKE UP WAKE UP’ with a bonkers guitar lick; it’s just everything you want from the band when they go full on rock. There is also a very sexy guitar riff during the verses, which is very reminiscent of Queens of The Stone Age, credit to Adam Han on guitar there.
The End (Music For Cars) is one of many instrumentals. First off here is an extraordinary orchestra piece with a humbling brass section, wind instruments fluttering and a seducing harp to lead us out from the track.
‘Frail State Of Mind’ follows on, which shows how far the band have come with its ambitious takes on left field music styles. Obviously it’s always been impressive these attempts, but it’s definitely the first time that they’ve truly made it their own. With a great blend of U.K. garage and trip hop, the band deliver a beautiful and honest song based around mental health. “I haven’t told a lie in quite some time…..if you keep lying, don’t lie behind you frail state of mind”, is one of the many lyrics that should be noted as a great take on dealing with mental health problems.
The definite grower in ‘The Birthday Party’ is after the instrumental ‘Streaming’. It seems like Matty is simply chatting in a casual, self indulgent way about certain social circles and people that aren’t good for his drug habit. The tranquillity nature in the production by George Daniels is outstanding. At times it feels so fresh and clean, you think it’s breathing like one would in the clean air countryside.
Then in regards to the Pinegrove reference within the song (which got the all clear by said band): for me, it’s a comment on how some people don’t care about the deeper context with art. They just want to consume and not dive deep into nitty-gritty of condemnation and righteousness of people who they just want to enjoy. Most probably I’ve overthought this, but what’s new there folks.
‘Yeah I know’ has a nostalgic Sony video game running keyboard part with a subtle trap beat, though sadly by the end you are wanting the outro to end. ‘Then Because She Goes’ just seems like a track that just exists so that Matty can just proclaim his love to his fans at the live shows.
‘Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America’ is a wholesome duet with Phoebe Bridgers. With subtle vocals from Matty and elegant singing from Phoebe, the venerability of the song is it’s strongest aspect. George’s production shines here, its tremendous how angelic, pure and dramatic his production can be. Possibly the highlight of the whole record is his magic in all honesty.
Roadkill makes a return to the alternative country vibe, the keys we hear during it makes me want to go to the barn dance! Anyway….Matty sounds fantastic singing a country esq melody, howdy. It’s playful and really pleasant, despite needing a better shift in the middle eight.
Honestly I want to know how Busted inspired ‘Me and You Together Song’ is, come on….its gotta be? Me and You is a shoegaze, pop punk song that’s narrative is about a love interest. Also how the character within the story, faces confusion by many love interests with regards to their campness and natural feminine body language.
Notes then follows with another instrumental…..they are fascinating but you are wanting to move on from them after a while. Nothing Revealed/Everything Denied’ is a r’n’b number which may have a random vocal part somewhere, yet it’s epic chorus is wonderful.
‘Tonight (I Wish I Was Your Boy)’ is worth mentioning with its decent beat; it’s gentle and makes you want to grove along, a great edition to The 1975’s catalogue. As that concludes, you can guess what’s next……you guessed it…..an instrumental. ‘Shiny Collarbone’ is an interesting deviation, its fascinating and somehow brilliantly amusing. Have to say though, I worry it will get lost due to how far gone we are in the album.
We then reach the huge single of ‘If You’re Too Shy’, it’s flown by right? The beautiful production and euphoric chorus just slaps you back into the 80’s, it’s beautifully devine and playful. A side note: the placing of the song really helps the listener continue further as we get closer to the hour mark (good tactics there boys).
Another turn in the many styles of ‘Notes’ is ‘Playing On My Mind’ and it is up there with their best straight acoustic tracks. Matty seems to be at amazing crafting an acoustic hook that’s delicate but still infectious (has been playing on my miiiiind).
*drum roll please* More instrumentals and beat centric songs come to pass. They are unfortunately, the least interesting thing the band have done since their deep cuts off their debut record. It’s a shame because Notes is potentially pulling off the running time but in its penultimate chapter, it lingers on for no reason.
‘Guys’ is a lovely sentiment around the journey the band have been on and the love for your friends who you grow up with (what an intense/confusing/wacky experience right?). But seriously the song is a beautiful way to finish the record. It’s again venerable and feels even more pure amongst the self indulgent lyrics we find on the LP.
Despite it not feeling as long as the 72 minutes that it is, there isn’t enough consistency needed to pull off such a long LP. We have a more self indulgent The 1975 this time around and I can imagine that being very hard and even boring for some.
Due to the length of time we waited for the record and the actual length of the record itself, many will forget what makes this album amazing sadly. It’s definitely one of the years must listen releases due to its ambition and leaves the question, what next for this amazing and wacky band?
Rating: 7/10
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With love, Tom x
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