The boy band that swept the nation with their punk-twist to pop, 5 Seconds of Summer, are back with a new single: ‘COMPLETE MESS’.

Right off the bat, the way the chords move give the song an aura of victory that uplifts the listener like nothing else. The bass riff gently moving through the chords with the tweeting of birds invokes relaxation that contrasts what’s to come beautifully. The immaculate control on the vocals that follow, the way they attack the notes from over is ever so talented. The entire introduction verse of this song is composed of almost nothing but organic instruments, which reflects 5 Seconds of Summer’s approach to pop music from before – a sense of authenticity rarely found in modern pop music, especially at the time. Once the chorus hits, however, the pop instrumentation is brought far closer to the forefront. Smashing drums, electrifying production, large stadium-inspired melodies swell into the powerhouse of the section. The lead up to the second verse builds up ethereal sounding synths that builds in dynamics, cutting at the end of its final measure to go back to the second verse, a nice unexpected transition. After the second chorus, there’s a very welcomed guitar solo that continues to raise the bar for ‘COMPLETE MESS’, bringing the song to a total close at the varied final chorus, ending as the chorus does after the delay and reverb finishes trailing.

‘COMPLETE MESS’ is a wonderful return for 5 Seconds of Summer. The downbeat approach to this anthem is very interesting. On top of that, the utilization of authentic instruments layered with electronic, booming pop sounds is the contrast that perfectly mirrors 5 Seconds of Summer’s original vision when they first entered the music scene. The constant vocal shift keeps the melodies all the more interesting, though already very well written to begin with. ‘COMPLETE MESS’ is a wonderfully fun song for all.

Author: Nicholas Gaudet

Music producer and writer from Dieppe, Canada.