Pop-rock’s The 1975 didn’t disappoint fans in its first West Michigan appearance. Plus photos of Kalamashoegazer, People’s Blues of Richmond, Bear Vs. Shark and Four Lincolns.
It’s been a long time coming for West Michigan fans of pop-rock foursome The 1975.
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So not surprisingly, the English rockers were joyously welcomed with open arms on Saturday at DeltaPlex Arena in their first-ever Grand Rapids-area appearance.
Their set kicked off with an upbeat and energetic vibe that quickly transitioned in and out with slower, more laid-back instrumentals. These long progressions in between each song started off calm and quiet, and slowly built up to become more intense and definitely increased anticipation among the crowd.
The band unfurled songs new and old – from “Ugh” off of its funky new album to full swing pop with one of its most popular songs “Chocolate.” A reoccurring saxophone gave songs like “Heart Out” and “She’s American” a jazzy smooth twist that kept fans on their toes and eager for more.
After a brief motivational speech from lead singer Matt Healy about America’s current political agenda, the band went on to play “Loving Someone” with a rainbow flag appearing in the lights.The band enhanced the fan experience visually, too, with lighting providing a different theme to portray a certain feeling for each song. The 1975’s sonic approach completely filled the room with heavy lows and expansive highs, vibrating every soul that stepped foot into the building.
The reaction of the crowd gave the band something to smile about, too, as fans did not stop moving or singing along the entire night. During some songs, like “Chocolate” and “Girls,” the power of everyone singing along to the lyrics overpowered even the lead singer, with smiling fans exuding hope and positivity — things we could all use a little bit more of.
And with arms flying around, hands clapping and people bouncing up and down, it was a genuine dance party.
The band expertly mixed laid back and peaceful note progressions with high-energy, upbeat riffs and rhythms, engaging a happy energetic crowd. It all made The 1975’s Grand Rapids tour stop nothing short of positive and exhilarating. – Taylor Mansen
PHOTO GALLERY: The 1975 at DeltaPlex Arena
Photos by Taylor Mansen
MONDAY MORNING RECAP
Elsewhere last week, Kalamazoo’s 10th annual Kalamashoegazer Dream Pop and Shoegaze Festival at Louie’s Trophy House Grill on Friday and Saturday delivered everything from laid-back and mellow to dreamy, fuzzy and distorted. As photographer Derek Ketchum put it, there’s “no better way to clear your head than to have a little help from some distortion pedal-infused music” and Louie’s boasted a great turnout as a result with sets by Vida Eterna (Kalamazoo), See Through Dresses (Omaha Nebraska), Cardboard Highway (Kalamazoo) and many more.
In Grand Rapids, rock’s Four Lincolns roared through a CD-release show at a West Side hall after playing Local Spins on WYCE on the air at 88.1 FM for the first time on Friday morning, People’s Blues of Richmond delivered its unique, psychedelic, blues-propelled rock at Founders Brewing, and Michigan post-hardcore band Bear Vs. Shark played a sold-out reunion show at The Pyramid Scheme with Braidedveins and Bong Mountain.
WEEKEND PHOTO GALLERY (Nov. 11-13)
Kalamashoegazer photos by Derek Ketchum
Four Lincolns photos by John Sinkevics
People’s Blues of Richmond photos by Anna Sink
Bear Vs. Shark photos by Katy Batdorff