New single and video now available
5 Seconds of Summer has unveiled its new single “Complete Mess” via BMG. The anthemic single aptly balances an expansive, epic vibe with a contemporary pop sensibility. The band teased the song late last week on socials which sparked an immediate frenzy online, trending worldwide, as fans eagerly await new music. Additionally, the single heralds the band’s soon-to-be-announced fifth studio album, which will be released independently in partnership with BMG.
The release comes alongside its music video – directed by Lauren Dunn (Kali Uchis, 070 Shake, Jack White) and creative direction by Tyler Serebreni of Other Half Creative – which acts as a visual extension of the song, characterized by sequences that take on an ethereal, dreamlike quality that perfectly reflect the nature of the track. It’s now available below following its broadcast premiere on MTV Live, MTVU, and on the Paramount Times Square billboards.
The track was created during a writing trip in Joshua Tree and is the first song to be entirely written and produced by the band, with Michael handling the production. “For this record, we realized if you want something done that truly represents how you feel, you’ve got to do it yourselves. We wanted that expansive sound that we naturally gravitate towards when we play together, so we had to learn how to record that,” states the group. “This new music is so authentically us. 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.”
The song’s title references a fan favorite tee-shirt Luke used to wear, but the lyrics go far deeper, reflecting on the worthwhile chaos of a relationship. The single was perfected over several recording sessions at Rancho V in Joshua Tree, Michael’s own home studio, and Dragonfly Creek in Malibu and simultaneously showcases the strength of Michael’s production and the band’s songwriting. The track with its mature and anthemic sound, highlights the band’s evolution, now in their 11th year as a band, and represents a moment of authentic growth while also teasing what’s to come on their forthcoming album.
Additionally, the band is set to kick off their 2022 World Tour this summer. The North American run will begin on Saturday, June 11th in Vancouver, BC, making stops in Los Angeles, New York City, Nashville and more before wrapping in St. Louis, MO on July 24th. Tickets are available now.
