Sex (The 1975 EP)

Last updated

Sex
Sex (EP) by The 1975.png
EP by
the 1975
Released19 November 2012
Genre
Length20:30
Label
Producer
The 1975 chronology
Facedown
(2012)		Sex
(2012)		 Music for Cars
(2013)
Singles from Sex
  1. "Milk"
    Released: 6 October 2017

Sex is the second extended play (EP) by English band the 1975. It was released on 19 November 2012 by Dirty Hit. A modified version was released in the US on 1 January 2013 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records. The band produced the EP alongside Michael Coles, Robert Coles and Mike Crossey. They drew musical inspiration from Sigur Rós, Brian Eno and filmmaker John Hughes while thematically focusing on the passage of time. Prior to the record's debut, a music video for "Sex" was released.

Contents

An ambient rock-influenced rock, R&B, electro, pop and emo record, Sex is musically divided into two halves. Its first half is characterised by its ethereal compositions which draw from electropop, while the second half is informed by an extensive use of guitars. The record's lyrics incorporate themes of love, sex and drugs. Upon release, the EP received generally mixed reviews from contemporary music critics, who praised the exploration of various genres but felt the record suffered from a lack of cohesion.

Development and release

Brian Eno 2015.png
Positivus 2013 Sigur Ros (9824908964).jpg
The 1975's lead singer Matty Healy cited the music of Brian Eno (left) and Sigur Rós (right) as influences on Sex

In January 2012, the 1975 was formed by lead singer Matty Healy, drummer George Daniel, guitarist Adam Hann and bassist Ross MacDonald, who had played music together since 2002. After being rejected by all major record labels, artist manager Jamie Osborne discovered the band and signed them to his label Dirty Hit. [1] [2] The 1975 began a process of releasing three extended plays (EP) leading to their debut album. [3] In August of the same year, the band released their debut EP, Facedown , to critical success. [2] [4] To aid in developing the follow-up record, Sex, the 1975 approached Mike Crossey, who provided additional production and mixing on "Sex" and "You". [2] In addition to working with producers Michael and Robert Coles, the band self-produced "Intro/Set3". [5]

Regarding the creative process behind Sex, Healy said: "We were planning on putting out [the EPs] with absolutely no intention of them being accepted in the way they have. We kind of got used to being in really underground bands - where the world of mainstream radio and media just seems so genuinely far away." [4] The 1975 drew inspiration from Sigur Rós, ambient musician Brian Eno and filmmaker John Hughes. The singer noted that his affection for ambient music stems from the genre's use in movies, which he enjoyed at a young age, saying it "commands you how to feel without the use of words". Discussing the overall theme of the EPs, Healy said they were focused on sex, love, drugs and fear, while also noting: "The songs on Sex are all about passing moments. Moments that we don't analyse at the time – only to understand them retrospectively." [3] A music video for "Sex" was released on 5 October 2012, [6] while the EP was released by Dirty Hit on 19 November 2012. [7] A different version of Sex containing a modified tracklist was released in the US on 1 January 2013 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records. [8] [9]

Composition

Music and lyrics

Exploring ambient rock concepts, [3] Sex combines rock, [10] R&B, electro, pop and emo music, [11] while the lyrics deal with themes of love, sex and drugs. [4] Writing for Hit the Floor Magazine, Amy Jones said that in contrast to Facedown, Sex contains a "slightly darker [and] more foreboding" tone, [12] while Paste writer Shaina Pearlman observed "equal parts ethereal and synth pop" throughout the record. [13] Amanda Koellner of Consequence identified two distinct sounds within Sex. She described the first as recalling the "intricate electropop" of Passion Pit's "more mellow songs". Koellner wrote that "Sex" marks the EP's sonic shift from a "companionless headphone" record to the "centre of a party", characterised by "traditional" guitar-heavy compositions. [14] DIY 's Martyn Young shared this opinion and said the EP is "arbitrar[ily] split between the first two overtly electronic hazy pop songs and the second two "more straightforward traditional guitar tracks". [15] QRO Magazine writer Robin Sinhababu noted that Sex is composed of four different styles of British emo. [11]

Songs

Gnome-mime-audio-openclipart.svg
"Undo"
Containing elements of chillwave, indie and acoustic, "Undo" is an electronic, R&B and pop slow jam composed in 1990s-style. Norman Fleischer of Nothing but Hope and Passion compared the song to the work of the Weeknd. [16]
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Intro/Set3", an electronic, R&B and pop slow jam, opens Sex with "glitching" layers instruments and effects, electronic synth beats and tiered vocals which utilise a "cut up vocal effect". [12] [14] [15] The song gradually builds until reaching a plateau in its mid-section. [12] A "hazy" and "futuristic" 1990s-style electronic, R&B and pop slow jam, [15] "Undo" contains electronic synths and elements of chillwave, [16] indie and acoustic. [12] [14] [11] "Sex" is an indie rock, [17] indie pop and emo-rock song. [18] [9] Drawing from pop-punk, Britpop and power pop, [14] [19] the production features minimal synths and a post-rock-influenced middle eight. [12] [20] Lyrically, the song is about spontaneous sexual intercourse ("But if we're gonna do anything we might as well just fuck") while Healy repeats the hook: "She's got a boyfriend anyway". [13] [16]

Incorporating elements of shoegaze, [9] "You" is a guitar-heavy ballad that begins with gentle and quiet distorted guitars as Healy sings: "You're a liar / At least all of your friends are". [12] [14] As the song continues to build, subtle drums are added at the 40-second mark while Healy sings the hook: "It takes a bit more than you". [12] [20] Thematically, Healy said the track was inspired by the dissolution of his social group, noting it represents "that moment when you realise, [']Oh, that was a bit of a waste of time--but fuck it, I'm actually just as happy as I was before so no harm done[']". [10] "Milk" is a hidden track that occupies the final two minutes and twelve seconds of "You". [12] It is a guitar-heavy pop rock and indie song containing elements of electro and shoegaze, while the lyrics deal with drugs and sex. [12] [14] [20] "Head.Cars.Bending (George Daniel Remix)" is an electronic and dance song that incorporates elements of UK garage. The song's original version was later released on the 1975's third EP, Music for Cars (2013). [9]

Critical reception

Awarding Sex a score of 9 out of 10, Amy Jones commended the EP's musical diversity and its development of the 1975's signature sound, asserting the record shows promise for the band's debut album. In addition to praising the title track as a highlight from the EP, she wrote: "Every track on this is incredible and shows off the band's spectrum of talents with ease and simplicity." [12] Pearlman lauded the diversity of genres on Sex, writing that while it did not appear entirely cohesive at first, repeated listens helped the EP "[come] together remarkably well". She was particularly favourable toward the second half of the record, writing that the 1975 excel on pop-oriented songs such as "Sex" and "You", the latter of which she deemed as "undoubtedly the standout". [13] Norman Fleischer of Nothing but Hope and Passion praised the variety of styles present on the EP and deemed the title track an "obvious hit single", writing that the band "stick[s] up to the expectations" set by fellow Manchester musicians. [16]

Martyn Young awarded Sex three out of five stars; asserting that while the record showed "a great deal of promise"—with the exception of "You", which he opined ends the EP on a disappointing note—he struggled to understand "exactly who [t]he 1975 are", owing to the band's "wildly fluctuating" sound. [15] Amanda Koellner gave Sex a grade of C−. She commended the 1975's exploration of different styles and called the EP a "fun listen with lots to offer". However, she felt it was "apparent that The 1975 are still searching for their sound" and criticised the transition from the first half of the record to the second, comparing it to "an accidental click of the shuffle button". [14] In a negative review, Robin Sinhababu gave the EP a score of 3.5 out of 10. Despite praising the "dynamic" sound of "You", she called Healy a nuisance and criticised the record's overtly sexual nature, saying the singer "whines melodramatically about all kinds of things, from the irrelevant to the trivial". [11]

Track listing

All tracks are written by George Daniel, Matthew Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald.

Sex – Standard version [5] [7] [21]
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Intro/Set3"The 19753:08
2."Undo"
  • The 1975
  • Michael Coles
  • Robert Coles
4:04
3."Sex"
3:26
4."You" ("You" lasts for 4:51; hidden track "Milk", which lasts for 2:12, starts at 23:58)
  • The 1975
  • M. Coles
  • R. Coles
  • Crossey [a]
26:10
Total length:36:48

Later digital editions of Sex replace the 19 minutes of silence with just under 3 minutes; this version is 9:52 in length and "Milk" begins at 7:36.

Sex – US version [8] [22] [23]
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
1."Sex"
  • Crossey
  • The 1975
3:27
2."Sex (Acoustic Version)"The 19754:06
3."Chocolate (Acoustic Version)"The 19753:58
4."Head.Cars.Bending (George Daniel Remix)" (with George Daniel)The 19754:12
5."Is There Somebody Who Can Watch You (Dream Koala Remix)" (with Dream Koala)The 19753:54
Total length:19:37

Notes [21] [23]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All Time Low</span> American rock band

All Time Low is an American rock band from Towson, Maryland, formed in 2003. Consisting of lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Alex Gaskarth, lead guitarist Jack Barakat, bassist/backing vocalist Zack Merrick, and drummer Rian Dawson, the band took its name from lyrics in the song "Head on Collision" by New Found Glory. The band has consistently done year-long tours, headlined numerous tours, and has appeared at music festivals including Warped Tour, Reading and Leeds, and Soundwave.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The 1975</span> English pop rock band

The 1975 are an English pop rock band formed in 2002 in Wilmslow, Cheshire. Now based in Manchester, the band consists of lead vocalist, principal lyricist, co-songwriter, and rhythm guitarist Matty Healy, drummer and co-songwriter George Daniel, lead guitarist Adam Hann, and bassist Ross MacDonald. The name of the band was inspired by a page of scribblings found in Healy's copy of On the Road by Jack Kerouac that was dated "1 June, The 1975".

<i>Music for Cars</i> 2013 EP by the 1975

Music for Cars is the third extended play (EP) by English band The 1975, released on 4 March 2013 by Dirty Hit, Polydor Records and Vagrant Records. Development of the record began after the band completed their eponymous debut album. Working with producer Mike Crossey, the 1975 created "Chocolate" during the album's recording sessions before building the other tracks of the EP around the song. The band sought to create a cohesive concept for the record, primarily producing the remaining four songs by themselves in the bedroom of singer Healy at Rose Cottage in Cheshire.

<i>IV</i> (EP) 2013 EP by the 1975

IV is the fourth extended play by English rock band the 1975, released on 20 May 2013 through Dirty Hit and Polydor. It is the last of four EPs released before the band's debut album, The 1975. The song "The City" was re-recorded for this EP, and it is a longer version of the re-recorded version that appears on the debut album.

<i>The 1975</i> (album) 2013 studio album by the 1975

The 1975 is the debut studio album by English rock band the 1975. It was released on 2 September 2013 through Dirty Hit and Polydor. It was recorded with record producer Mike Crossey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sex (The 1975 song)</span> 2013 single by the 1975

"Sex" is a song by English band the 1975 from their second extended play (EP) of the same name (2012) and eponymous debut studio album (2013). The song was written by band members George Daniel, Matty Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald. The band co-produced the EP version of the song with Michael and Robert Coles, while Mike Crossey provided additional production. The album version, produced by Crossey and the band, was released as the lead single on 23 August 2013 by Dirty Hit, Polydor Records and Vagrant Records. Written at the age of 19, Healy said the song represents a love letter to prudish teenage girls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robbers (The 1975 song)</span> Single by The 1975

"Robbers" is a song by English rock band The 1975, released as the sixth single from their self-titled debut on 26 May 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Sound (The 1975 song)</span> 2016 single by the 1975

"The Sound" is a song by English band the 1975 from their second studio album, I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It (2016). It was written by George Daniel, Matty Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald. Mike Crossey handled the production alongside Daniel and Healy. The London Community Gospel Choir provide the song's choir vocals. The song was released on 19 February 2016 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records as the fourth single from the album. Inspired by the pop albums of his youth, Healy sought to channel the memorable melodies from them and create an "unabashed" pop song. Healy first presented the song to One Direction, who declined, so the band decided to record it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">She's American</span> 2016 single by the 1975

"She's American" is a song by English band the 1975 from their second studio album, I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It (2016). The song was written by George Daniel, Matty Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald. Mike Crossey handled the production alongside Daniel and Healy. The song was released on 4 November 2016 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records as the sixth single from the album. Healy was inspired by the interplay between the British and Americans, creating a tongue-in-cheek song about the subtleties involved in a British rockstar courting an American woman. Containing a 1980s-style beat, futuristic synths and a saxophone solo, it is a retro funk, pop and synth-pop song with elements of disco, yacht rock and synth-funk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Change of Heart (The 1975 song)</span> 2016 single by the 1975

"A Change of Heart" is a song by English band the 1975 from their second studio album, I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It (2016). The song was written by George Daniel, Matty Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald. Mike Crossey handled the production alongside Daniel and Healy. The song was released on 22 February 2016 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records as the fifth single from the album. A synth-pop and electropop power ballad, the song features 808 beats, a portamento keyboard riff, pulsing synthesisers and elements of ambient pop, electro, new wave, yacht rock, chillwave and indie rock. The song's melancholic lyrics describe falling out of love and detail the end of a romance, focusing on the theme of technology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Somebody Else (The 1975 song)</span> 2016 single by the 1975

"Somebody Else" is a song by English band the 1975 from their second studio album I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It (2016). The song was written by band members Adam Hann, Ross MacDonald, George Daniel, and Matty Healy, with the latter two handling the production alongside Mike Crossey. The song was the last one written for the album; Healy developed the song's lyrics in Los Angeles while in the back of a cab. The singer focused on the after-effects of a breakup, centred on the themes of jealousy and guilt. It was released on 16 February 2016 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records as the fourth single from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loving Someone</span> 2017 single by the 1975

"Loving Someone" is a song by English band the 1975 from their second studio album, I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It (2016). The song was written by George Daniel, Matty Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald. Mike Crossey handled the production alongside Daniel and Healy. It was released on 3 February 2017 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records as the seventh and final single from the album. Daniel developed the song's production and title during a jam session, using a chopped vocal stem, while Healy created the lyrics after completing the band's track "Paris".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ugh! (song)</span> 2015 single by the 1975

"Ugh!" is a song by English band the 1975 from their second studio album, I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It (2016). The song was written by George Daniel, Matty Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald. Mike Crossey handled the production alongside Daniel and Healy. The song was released on 10 December 2015 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records as the second single from the album. The band's obsession with syncopation and rhythm drove the song's creation, while Healy explained the lyrics are about coming down from cocaine, drug-fuelled conversations and social interactions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America</span> 2020 single by the 1975

"Jesus Christ 2005 God Bless America" is a song by English band the 1975 from their fourth studio album, Notes on a Conditional Form (2020). The song was written by band members George Daniel, Matty Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald, while Daniel and Healy handled the song's production. It was released on 2 April 2020 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records as the fifth single from the album. The song features guest vocals from singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers. Healy re-wrote the song several times, focusing on the prison–industrial complex and the religious oppression of young people, while the final version was created as a patchwork from each iteration. After meeting Bridgers, the band invited her to record vocals for the song, turning it into a duet.

<i>My Mind Makes Noises</i> Album by Pale Waves

My Mind Makes Noises is the debut studio album by English indie pop band Pale Waves, released on 14 September 2018 by the independent record label Dirty Hit. With the exception of the album's singles "There's a Honey" and "Television Romance", the songs on My Mind Makes Noises were produced by Jonathan Gilmore, with Pale Waves' drummer, Ciara Doran, providing additional production. The 1975's George Daniel and Matty Healy produced "Television Romance" and There's a Honey".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Like America & America Likes Me</span> 2018 song by The 1975

"I Like America & America Likes Me" is a song by English band the 1975 from their third studio album, A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships (2018). The song was written by band members George Daniel, Matty Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald, while Daniel and Healy handled the production. Guendoline Rome Viray Gomez provides the background vocals. The song was created as a homage to SoundCloud rap, while the title is a reference to an art performance by Joseph Beuys, titled I Like America and America Likes Me.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Birthday Party (song)</span> 2020 single by the 1975

"The Birthday Party" is a song by English band the 1975 from their fourth studio album, Notes on a Conditional Form (2020). The song was released on 19 February 2020 by Dirty Hit and Polydor Records as the fourth single from the album. It was written by band members George Daniel, Matty Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald, while production of the song was handled by Daniel and Healy. Contributions are featured from Bob Reynolds, who plays the alto and tenor saxophone, and Rashawn Ross, who plays the trumpet and flugelhorn. The brass arrangements were composed by John Waugh, who performs the saxophone alongside Reynolds and Ross. The song originated from a jam session in Los Angeles, California, and was intended to be released as the lead single from the album, ultimately being replaced by "People" (2019).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Milk (The 1975 song)</span> 2017 single by The 1975

"Milk" is a song by English band the 1975, originally included as a hidden track on the band's second extended play (EP), Sex (2012). The song was written by George Daniel, Matty Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald. The 1975 produced it alongside Michael and Robert Coles. In 2013, the song served as the B-side on a limited edition 7-inch vinyl single for the Neighbourhood's "No Grey". A remastered version of the song was released as a standalone track on 6 October 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">People (The 1975 song)</span> 2019 single by the 1975

"People" is a song by English band The 1975 from their fourth studio album, Notes on a Conditional Form (2020). The song was released on 22 August 2019, through Dirty Hit and Polydor Records as the lead single from the album. It was written by band members George Daniel, Matty Healy, Adam Hann and Ross MacDonald. Production of the song was handled by Daniel and Healy alongside Jonathan Gilmore. An anarcho-punk and screamo song, it features an intense, heavy rock instrumentation consisting of desert-rock guitar riffs, straightforward chords, breakneck drums and "renegade" percussion. Lyrically, it is a protest song that calls for change and rebellion to deal with global, political and environmental turmoil, and deals with themes of desperation, urgency and anxiety.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spinning (song)</span> 2021 single by No Rome, Charli XCX and The 1975

"Spinning" is a song by Filipino recording artist No Rome, English musician Charli XCX and band The 1975. The song was written by Andrew Wyatt, Charli XCX, No Rome and the 1975 members George Daniel and Matty Healy, while the production was handled by the latter three. It was released as a standalone single by Dirty Hit on 4 March 2021. Creation of the song began in 2018 when the producers developed its chorus, beat and production. Charli XCX received the song the following year, writing and recording her portion in one night. The singer later recorded vocals with Healy and Daniel in Sydney, while the song was completed remotely in early 2021.

References

  1. ↑ Cook, Beatrice (10 May 2013). "10 Minutes with: The 1975". Glasgow University Guardian . Retrieved 13 June 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Tingen, Paul (December 2013). "Secrets Of The Mix Engineers: Mike Crossey". Sound on Sound . Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 "Interview w/ The 1975". Blah Blah Blah Science. 15 October 2012. Archived from the original on 19 July 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  4. 1 2 3 Faughey, Darragh (11 December 2012). "The 1975 – Interview". Golden Plec. Archived from the original on 9 May 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  5. 1 2 Sex - EP (inlay cover). The 1975. Dirty Hit. 2012.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ↑ "The 1975 - Sex [EP Version]". YouTube. 5 October 2012. Archived from the original on 30 March 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  7. 1 2 "Sex - EP". Apple Music. 19 November 2012. Archived from the original on 12 December 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  8. 1 2 "Sex - EP". Apple Music. 1 January 2013. Archived from the original on 16 December 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Fitzmaurice, Larry (29 November 2018). "10 Essential 1975 Songs". Vulture . Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  10. 1 2 Davis, Rebecca (26 October 2012). "Music Premiere: the 1975". Nylon . Archived from the original on 9 May 2013. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Sinhababu, Robin (18 February 2013). "The 1975 – Sex EP". QRO Magazine. Archived from the original on 1 December 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Jones, Amy (25 November 2012). "Review: The 1975 – Sex (EP)". Hit the Floor Magazine. Archived from the original on 17 August 2019. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  13. 1 2 3 Pearlman, Shaina (20 November 2012). "The 1975: Sex EP". Paste . Archived from the original on 22 September 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Koellner, Amanda (19 November 2012). "Album Review: The 1975 – Sex EP". Consequence . Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  15. 1 2 3 4 Young, Martyn. "The 1975 – Sex". DIY . Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Fleischer, Norman (15 November 2012). "The 1975 – Sex EP". Nothing but Hope and Passion . Archived from the original on 10 March 2018. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  17. ↑ De Petro, Alexander (9 September 2013). "Review: The 1975". Music Feeds . Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  18. ↑ Baggs, Michael (28 July 2013). "The 17 rudest moments from The 1975's new 'Sex' video". Gigwise . Retrieved 18 June 2021.
  19. ↑ Rudow, Bryce (11 October 2012). "Tunes You Should F*cking Know... This Week". Brightest Young Things . Archived from the original on 23 October 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  20. 1 2 3 Connick, Tom (20 February 2019). "The 1975 – their 10 best songs". NME . Archived from the original on 18 January 2021. Retrieved 28 February 2021.
  21. 1 2 "Sex EP - The 1975". Spotify. 19 November 2012. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
  22. ↑ Sex (inlay cover). The 1975. Dirty Hit and Polydor Records. 2013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  23. 1 2 "Sex - The 1975". Spotify. 1 January 2013. Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 9 May 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.