It looks like 2016 is set to be a very good year for the 1975. The British alt-pop phenoms have officially emerged from the sheds where they used to practice to enjoy a meteoric rise to fame that has attracted touring offers from the likes of Rihanna. The U.K. outfit just dropped their new chart-topping album, I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it, with a name that nods to the record’s heart-on-the-sleeve lyricism. That commitment to candor extends to frontman Matty Healy’s recent struggles with depression and drug abuse, but despite the dark subject matter, the band maintains its signature ’80s synth influence on the 17-track sophomore effort, a blend of pop, funk, gospel, house and rock that is undeniably infectious. Look to the future with the 1975 when they rock the Tsongas Center on May 18.  / Brigitte Carreiro   

The 1975 play at 7 pm on May 18 at the Tsongas Center, 300 Arcand Drive, Lowell; tsongascenter.com