BRUIT. Reviews: “NOT OK” by 5SOS

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“Oh my god, I feel invincible,” that perfectly sums up how we feel about “NOT OK” upon its release. The new hit song by 5 Seconds of Summer is a gulp of fresh water, and here at BRUIT., we are more than pleased with it. 

As big fans of the Australian band, we cannot help but share our enthusiasm for their latest track: seeing Luke, Calum, Ashton and Michael together lit a familiar spark that had dimmed since their last album, which dates back to 2022. Here are some thoughts and opinions on this wonderful surprise that blessed our ears on a random Wednesday in late September.

5SOS by Brian Ziff, Republic Records

Zoë

5 Seconds of Summer have been in the music industry for quite a while, trying out a lot of different styles and genres, but I personally think they finally found their sound. Although each album has a special place in my heart, I feel like “EVERYONE’S A STAR” is going to top my charts.

The tune was definitely not what I expected it to be. The title, “NOT OK”, sounds like something sorrowful to me. This made me believe the song was going to be a slow one, comparable to their previous tracks like “Ghost of You” or “Lover of Mine,” but it is definitely far from a sad song. It has a lot of power to it and makes me weirdly energetic; I feel like I could run a marathon listening to it while I normally can’t even hit 5 kilometers without struggling. 

I have heard a few other songs from their upcoming album, since they played a live show in West Hollywood on 24 September, and streamed their performance on TikTok. They played the first five tracks of their upcoming album: "Everyone’s a Star!,” “NOT OK,” “Telephone Busy,” “Boyband” and “No. 1 Obsession.” I would like to say that every song matches the “NOT OK” vibe. I’m very excited to hear the rest of the album, but for now, I would say “Telephone Busy” is my favourite.

Matias

If you made 10-year-old me listen to “NOT OK” and told him that the song is by the same band that sings “She Looks So Perfect”, he would have not believed you. One could call this a comeback (debatable, as the band never dismantled or went on an official hiatus), a rebranding, even a daring marketing move, but to me this is evolution. New sound, new looks, new influences and a new music scene ready to welcome this colorful, punk version of the Australian (boy) band.

Like most, my jaw dropped to the floor when I first clicked play on “NOT OK”: it surprised me, then it got me unbelievably excited for this upcoming 5SOS era. Unexpected and fresh, this song rang some bells: UK indie rock (Yungblud, Gorillaz, Wet Leg) and an undeniable note of pop-punk (Green Day, blink-182). The new album aesthetic looks really promising and intriguing, I cross my fingers and hope it will translate to on-stage performances soon. Until then, watch me unleash my inner angsty-teenager while I blast NOT OK in my room.

Magda

My first thought upon hearing “NOT OK” was that this track is so different from their previous releases – but it did not disappoint! The background beat ever so slightly reminds me of the 2018 Youngblood era’s tracks “Babylon” or “Meet You There,” and I’m such a big fan of the toned-down vocals from frontman Luke Hemmings in the bridge (and in all honesty, at first I thought it was drummer Ashton Irwin instead).

The chorus lines such as “Bite the apple baby / Hey, I’m not okay” are stuck in my head already and I can tell I’m going to have this song on repeat for the next few weeks. It is fast-paced and vocal, while maintaining its emotion. I feel like it would be excellent to hear live.

I’m excited for the new era of 5SOS, having been a fan of the band since I was just entering my teenage years. I think “EVERYONE’S A STAR!” is going to be an experimental and refreshing release from the band 14 years into their career. 

Kay

I have been a fan of 5 Seconds of Summer for a long while and I can’t remember being so stoked for a new release as this one. It’s completely different from what they have created before, with elements that I recognise in Gorillaz and Twenty One Pilots as well. For example, the drums remind me of “Heavydirtysoul” and in the verses and outro, they use a radio voice effect, a staple in Gorillaz’ music production style.

This song acts as an anthem, one that we haven’t heard from 5SOS in years and I’m here for it. I also seem to recognise some elements of punk in the song. Are we getting an early-days 5SOS revival? 

5 Seconds of Summer have really done a 180 with this single alone and if the entire album matches this energy, I’m afraid I found my album of the year. 

Sanne

No, I’m absolutely “NOT OK” after listening to this brand new release; 5 Seconds Of Summer have outdone themselves, and immediately set the tone for their upcoming album. 

While it’s not what I expected (I might’ve replayed it a couple times… in shock), I am a big fan of the indie pop-rock sound they’ve decided to go for. It’s an amazing, well-written song, with elements that remind me of Waterparks, Gorillaz, The Prodigy and even a bit of Twenty One Pilots. I could imagine it might take some listeners a bit to get used to, especially if your favorite album of theirs is 5SOS5, but to those I’ll say: give it a few more listens, it might grow on you ;)

“NOT OK” is an insightful glimpse into what “EVERYONE’S A STAR!” might sound like. With interesting lyrics such as “You and I, double homicide”, and “Hey, I’m not OK / I like the darker side of me” the band provokes an almost alluring and dangerous feeling in their listeners, which contradicts the way the song is produced musically. If the bass, synth and guitar didn’t instantly hypnotize you, I can assure you it will happen when Michael harmonizes with Luke or during the incredible guitar solo. 

As a huge 5SOS fan, I am so happy to see that they are not afraid to try out a more experimental route. I cannot wait to see what is in store for the album and to “JUMP! JUMP! JUMP!” at their next live show (because best believe I will be there)!

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