Thoughtfully, while The 1975 are effectively away on paternity leave getting ready for the birth of their next album, the group have found someone to fill in for them at work.
Manchester’s Pale Waves have had their first two singles co-produced by The 1975’s singer Matty Healy, who also directed the video for their song Television Romance, and they sound uncannily like the bigger band – jangly guitars with electronic touches and bright pop melodies.
Even the phrasing of Heather Baron-Gracie’s vocals has a strong resemblance to Healy’s on their newest song, New Year’s Eve – their third to reach streaming services.
Such a close relationship gives them a ready-made fanbase, the American part of which has already seen Pale Waves supporting The 1975 on tour. However, it may leave them struggling to express their own personalities, although Baron-Gracie’s striking gothic looks should help her on the way to becoming a star in her own right.
A headline tour, just announced for the spring, will be a good chance for them to strike out on their own.
March 7, The Garage, N5 (0844 847 1678, thegaragehighbury.com)