The Aussie foursome 5 Seconds Of Summer have released their long awaited debut album, which they have described as a “love-child” of all their influences, noticeably All Time Low and Blink 182. The band have been called a boyband, because they have supported One Direction, but this album shows that they’re far from it. They are yet another band that are inevitably going to be unfairly dismissed because of their associated acts and the stereotype of their fans, but hopefully 5 Seconds Of Summer will show people what they are really like, and they will be given the chance they deserve.
Being a young, up and coming band, people are always going to draw similarities. Vocalist and guitar player Luke Hemmings said to Capital FM; “We’re not the new anything. We’re the first 5 Seconds Of Summer.” The foursome who are completed by Calum Hood, Ashton Irwin and Michael Clifford are trying to do something that they have seen their favourite bands do but put their own spin on it, and that’s pretty much exactly what they have done with their debut.
She Looks So Perfect, which was the debut single is not a good song to judge the band or the album by; the cheesy “hey heys” thrown in, is not a good indication fo the rest of the work. Honestly, it’s probably one of the lower points of the album, quite cliché, teen boppy, very poppy, and it’s at times like this where their youth and inexperience shows a little bit.
Apart from this, the self-titled record shows some real talent and it is clear to see their slightly rebellious side and their influences in songs such as Long Way Home which could have been taken straight off an All Time Low album, Luke Hemming’s vocals even resemble Alex Gaskarth’s at times.
End Up Here is a stand out song that has witty and comical lyrics which tell a story, with a catchy chorus and the typical gang vocal interlude, it’s a pretty good indication of what the band has to offer. That being said, Voodoo Doll is another song that stands out, which is a bittersweet love song and it’s with songs like these that 5 Seconds Of Summer show their story telling abilities. Although the album is packed with upbeat, catchy songs, it’s not one dimensional. There are some slower paced tracks that keep it interesting, Beside You, Amnesia and Never Be show a different side to 5 Seconds Of Summer.
All in all, it’s not a perfect album but it’s a very, very promising debut that is bound to leave you smiling and singing along. The album consists of happy, catchy songs about growing up, young love and having fun with friends and is a pretty ideal summer album.We should all get prepared to hear a lot more from and about 5 Seconds Of Summer.