From four punk-rock teens opening for One Direction on tour to blossoming into a quartet shaping the world of pop as we know it, 5 Seconds of Summer is a force to be reckoned with. Dabbling in a mix of rock, pop, grunge, and punk sounds, 5SOS are known for their rather anthemic numbers and many variations of love songs.
Originating in Australia, the band consists of four members: Luke Hemmings, Calum Hood, Michael Clifford, and Ashton Irwin. With Hemmings carrying out the majority of the vocals, he implements a recognizable, emotive presence that propels the instrumental genius of the other members to new heights. Though they can all play guitar, Irwin is the sole drummer, providing for the explosive and catchy beats to many tracks.
Their latest album, “CALM,” is their fourth thus far. The album title stands for the first letter of each of their names and as we listen to the ensemble, one discovers it is anything but calm. It begins with the track “Red Desert,” loaded with gospel-like harmonies for days and choral effects that stay with us. As one of the rare tracks where the members are found singing in unison, the track showcases all of their vocal talents in a big way, while embodying a style similar to that of Eagles and Queen.
The song honors Australia as their home while portraying red as a color that counteracts the blues we feel, rather than the normal chaotic sense it is conceived with. Lined with Irwin’s explosive drumming and the bassy vibrations of Hood complementing Clifford’s sonic soundwaves and percussive perfection, the song jumps into the underlying themes of love in classic anthem-fashion.
Delving into the album demonstrates their musical maturity in a way that is really understood when reflecting on their older, grunge-tinted hits. “No Shame” serves a bold, wild chorus accompanied by powerful bass, drum smashes, classic Hemmings high notes, and a rawness that leaves one both nodding along and feeling the depth of stories untold. We shouldn’t be surprised; 5SOS have never indulged in subtility.
“Old Me” leaves one feeling nostalgic of younger years, and serves as a reflective piece that could have taken a cheesy route, but leaves us dusted in emotional retrospect instead. As the band chases after the future and leaves their past behind, the percussion pops off early on, springing straight into a plethora of hyper beats and dancing organs that leaves one accepting past decisions heartily.
The album is sprinkled with their chart-topping singles “Easier” and “Teeth,” which have been stuck in my head since they hit the radio last summer. “Easier” dabbles in electronic-pop melodies infused with a certain flair and conversational lyrical landscape. “Teeth” produced one of the catchiest choruses on the album, topped off with banging bass and grungy rock that deliver more than we expect. As the track heightens in energy, the effect leaves us bitten in a good way. With these two tracks back-to-back, “Wildflower” is given the introduction it deserves.
“Wildflower” was the latest single to be released, with captivating qualities that make it impossible to grow tired of. Dripping in bright, Eighties-synth sounds and euphoric melodies, the interpretative chorus makes the track what it is. With words left out of the main verse, it allows us free comprehension and visualization of the dreamy story they are painting from various perspectives. In place of the words unsaid, strong synth stabs fill the space, completing the slew of catchy arrangements the album began with.
From here, the album transitions into a more ballad-oriented, fluid-scape of instrumentals and vulnerable tracks. “Best Years” and “Lover of Mine” serve as two memorable ballads that leave a heartache that pulsates with the piano gracing our ears. “Thin White Lies” and “Lonely Heart” have a similar effect but are riddled with angst and induce a melancholic state of mind. The tracks leave a slow-burn that reaches us nonetheless and contain the signature catchy aspect that allows 5SOS songs to be engrained within us. Each piece emulates a different emotion than the one prior, truly accounting for how much the quartet has musically branched out.
Hemmings’ vocal talents shine prolifically on tracks “High” and “Not in the Same Way.” Known for his crisp sound and flourishing range, these songs demonstrate more than just his vivid performing abilities. “Not in the Same Way” isn’t all that impressive lyrically and sort of disappears among the rest of the powerhouse lineup, but still delivers a song that leaves you emotionally torn yet wanting to dance.
Closing off with the retrospective, somewhat psychedelic track “High,” the album achieves near perfection as it peters out. With a delightful selection of simple strumming and gentle vocals, the track serves as the calm after the emotional storm that 5SOS summoned with this record.