The 1975 and CRUSIR at Kool Haus

Photographs by Sarah Rix. 

English indie rock band, The 1975, returns to Toronto with two sold out shows at the Kool Haus. If you haven’t heard of them by now, then you must’ve been living under a rock for the past year.  Matthew Healy (vocals, guitar), Adam Hann (guitar), George Daniel (drums, backing vocals), and Ross MacDonald (bass) have been on a world tour in support of their self-titled debut, which recently went platinum in the UK.  

With the band’s signature blend of classic 80’s pop and ethereal electronic elements, they’ve managed to establish a name for themselves within the music industry. In such a short timeframe, the Manchester foursome has developed a strong and faithful following worldwide. As 2014 quickly ends, so does The 1975 time in North America. And before they go, Healy and his bandmates gives Toronto an amazing show.

Opening was indie pop band, CRUSIR. The 30-minute set consisted of songs from their self-titled EP that included the single “All Over”. The quirky lyrics and cheerful melodies did very little for the anxious 1975 crowd. Their performance didn’t stop the crowd from locating a good spot to view the heartthrob Healy.  It seemed at times CRUSIR was going through the motions, lacked a connection with the audience.  However, those who were captivated by the group gave the occasional hoot or holler.

You know it’s going to be an interesting night when the lead singer comes on stage with a bottle of wine in hand. Through the fog, strobes, and spotlights, Matty and the rest of The 1975 performed the anthems that got everyone raving about them. Their performance of songs like “The City”, “Sex” and “Girls” reminds us why this band is so addicting. Their infectious pop hooks are everything a teenage girl (or grown up indie kid) needs to get through the day. Although The 1975 may possess the looks and sounds of an average boy band, they don’t contain that level of cheesiness on stage. 

Their live performance of “Heart Out”, “Settle Down”, and “Robbers”; really shows off the band’s musical craft. It helps that all four members play their instruments well and treat each set as if they are performing for the last time. And there’s something about Healy these ladies can’t seem to resist. Everything the guy did was followed by a flock of screams, whether he was taking frequent sips from an unidentified wine bottle or puffing on a cigarette, he definitely won the hearts of every female in that room. 

The night wouldn’t be complete without the sweet sound of “Chocolate” which the band chose for their encore. For the fans in attendance, this show might be their last 1975 concert in a while, but Healy promised to return soon with some new tunes.