Concert review: The 1975, Auckland Town Hall

Fans at The 1975's sold out Auckland show could not have been more ecstatic.

The hot, packed-out Town Hall hosted the Brit-pop band, led by Matthew "Matty" Healy, on their latest tour.

Roughly a year ago they played at the Logan Campbell Centre, however, this time around The 1975 opted for a more intimate venue, playing hits from their 2013 self-titled album, as well as new tracks from their latest release, I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It, for their adoring fans.

The crowd lapped up their newer songs, UGH! and Love Me, which features an incredibly catchy hook, deeply inspired by 80s synth pop. Lighting the stage with a giant pink screen, Healy's black sequinned jacket sparked as he swayed his hips and strummed his electric guitar.

Screams from the packed room made the Town Hall feel more like an arena, with fans jumping out of their seats before the band had even arrived on stage. The smoke and lighting of green, blue and pink made the hall feel magical.

During the feel good song Heart Out a saxophonist joined the band on stage for a solo. Settle Down got everyone jumping and yelling out the lyrics, while the emotional You left fans swooning.

Healy showed off his quirky dance moves throughout So Far It's Alright, his nasal voice thick with a British accent. Song after song The 1975 went off, the audience loving every second of it. The band themselves kept their performance down to earth, letting the music do all the work, with Healy occasionally taking a mouthful of red wine.
Synth, symbols and sax morphed together to help amp up the crowd before Menswear. The song's extended intro came to life with stage lights flickering in time with each click.

The dreamy A Change Of Heart sounded like it drew inspiration from The Smiths - if The Smiths had been bingeing on sticks of sugar. She's American followed, picking up the pace, as the band showcased songs from their new album - songs that fans seemed to already be completely in love with.

Part-way through the concert, Healy took a moment to ask everyone to put away their phones for a couple of songs to experience the moment. The crowd complied for the most part and instead of cellphone screens a few lighters popped up amongst the audience.

Pop heavy Girls got the crowd roaring and dancing, as did Chocolate, the band's first big hit. While their final song of the night, Sex, sent the Town Hall wild.

If there's one thing you can say about The 1975, it's that they know how to put on an extremely fun indie pop rock concert, delivering a set that's pumped full of energy.

Who: The 1975
Where: The Auckland Town Hall
When: Friday, January 15