The problem with the 1975 is they’ve done a pretty poor job at proving their credibility outside of their core fan base. They do well at R&L because the demographic pool is right within their core fanbase. They are seen as a bit of a joke to people who don’t follow them, and I think their theatrics just make people eye roll. Matt Healy is a massive turn off.
Of course they will have a following and it will speak to some people, but I can’t help feeling like you either drink the 1975 kool aid or you can’t stand them. It’s not a great position for them to be in. They’ve not become a headliner in any major music market other than a few UK festivals, and they’ve doubled down on making music for their core fanbase. I can’t see how all of this is going to unwind with one album. When things move in a certain direction it takes a substantial change to set it back on course.
I can’t help but feel like if there were more popular touring “bands” on the circuit, we would consider them pretty low down in the pile. They are staying afloat due to the lack of rock band options, not because they deserve to be in with a shot.