We recently saw Manchester alt-pop quartet The 1975 when they performed in NYC, and we were impressed by the effervescent energy that the band brought to the stage. This type of grandiose live presence is difficult to package – so when we heard the video to their forthcoming single “Girls” had been released on Wednesday, we were excited to see how they’d translate their firework dynamism to a more contrived channel of communication. The video for “Girls” is a response to feedback surrounding their last video, specifically the claim that the group had conformed to record companies’ wishes. Front-man Matthew Healy has rejected this notion vocally – and now visually through the tongue-in-cheek video that is a pure pop parody complete with 80s vibes, a kaleidoscope of catchy colors and a few obligatory models in various stages of undress.
The track “Girls” is one of The 1975’s most audacious tracks to-date, and the corresponding video pays homage to the rebellious but playful innocence of girls– the lyrics preaching the truth: “She can’t be what you need if she’s 17.” The foursome has landed on the scene and is stealing our hearts with a series of one-word titled tracks (“Chocolate,” “Sex,” “M.O.N.E.Y.” to name a few faves) that have an addictively delicious pop quality on par with Walk the Moon, swathed in a rebellious UK rocker exterior. “Girls” is out November 11 on Dirty Hit records, but in the meantime get the audiovisual experience by watching the band’s colorfully creative retort to the haters, below.