Close to two years on from the release of their last full-length album, global pop icons 5 Seconds of Summer have returned with their newest single, sharing “COMPLETE MESS” this morning.
The first taster of the band’s soon-to-be-announced fifth album, the group first teased the release of “COMPLETE MESS” last week, with its nascent arrival showcasing the group’s evolved sound as they balance an expansive vibe with contemporary pop sensibilities.
With its title referring to an old t-shirt worn by Luke Hemmings (and beloved by fans), the lyrics of the song are far more powerful, with the track ruminating on the worthwhile chaos of a relationship.
First emerging during a writing trip in Joshua Tree, “COMPLETE MESS” is itself the first song to be entirely written and produced by the band, with Michael Clifford taking on production duties.
“For this record we realised if you want something done that truly represents how you feel, you’ve got to do it yourselves,” the group explained in a statement. “We wanted that expansive sound that we naturally gravitate towards when we play together, so we had to learn how to record that.
“This new music is so authentically us,” they continue. “It’s exactly the kind of music we want to be making right now and it’s a good song to be able to reconnect to our fans after such a long time of not releasing music. We can’t wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on.”
Indeed, while fans await more material, “COMPLETE MESS” arrives as the opposite of what its title suggests, with the considered compositions and mature sound showcasing a new version of 5 Seconds of Summer, but not one that is so far removed from what made them icons in the first place.
Though 5 Seconds of Summer last released a full-length album by way of 2020’s CALM, the group’s respective members have been far from lazy. While drummer Ashton Irwin released his solo debut by way of 2020’s Superbloom, so too did Hemmings find himself working on solo material, unveiling the chart-topping When Facing the Things We Turn Away From in August of 2021.
Meanwhile, the group’s long-awaited No Shame Tour is also on track to take place later this year, having been frequently postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No matter which way you look at it, it seems as though 2022 just might be the year of 5 Seconds of Summer.
5 Seconds of Summer’s “COMPLETE MESS” is out now via BMG.
5 Seconds of Summer No Shame Australian Tour 2022
Wednesday, November 30th
HBF Stadium, Perth, WA (All Ages)
Friday, December 2nd
Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD (All Ages)
Sunday, December 4th
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, VIC (All Ages)
Tuesday, December 6th
HOTA, Home of The Arts, Gold Coast, QLD (All Ages)
Wednesday, December 7th
Bar on The Hill, Newcastle, NSW (All Ages)
Friday, December 9th
Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney, NSW (All Ages)
Saturday, December 10th
Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney, NSW (All Ages)
