Beauty over bangers.
Everyone loves bangers, don’t they? The 1975 have more bangers than most bands. Sometimes, though, something more sedate is called for. Matty Healy singing sad songs is something every right-minded The 1975 fan enjoys, and that’s why their cover of Sade’s ‘By Your Side’ is such a treat.
Released to support
War Child and their week of charity shows (which the The 1975 played last night - Ed), this is a song for under the covers, shrouded in darkness with headphones on, listening to Matty whisper sweet nothings. The fluttering electronics twinkle in the background while the vocals drift from clear and pure to distorted autotuned manipulation and back again. It’s sentimental, heartfelt and really quite lovely.
Full of emotion and a gentle touch, it’s a sweet dedication to a cause close to the band’s heart rather than any indication of their future, but as a one-off gesture it’s a beautiful thing.
Martyn Young
