NEW SINGLE '' SOMETIMES'' OUT NOW

W: Billy Boyd. I: Albert Jagger

''Sometimes’ is more than just a new single; it’s an affirmation '' An immediate standout that perfectly executes the band’s promise: raw vulnerability exploding into exhilarating power.

London-based five-piece Sweet Unrest have carved out a reputation as dynamic standard-bearers for modern alternative rock. With their latest single, ‘Sometimes,’ the band delivers an intensely emotive and high-octane track that perfectly encapsulates their signature blend of delicate sensitivity and furious impulse.

Produced by Luke Burgoyne (known for his work with The Libertines, Louis Tomlinson, and J Hus), ‘Sometimes’ benefits from a sharp, professional edge while retaining a raw, heartfelt core. It immediately sets the scene with a reflective, mellow acoustic opening—a foundation of quiet vulnerability that leads the listener gently toward the storm.

This softness, however, is merely a prelude. The track soon erupts into the band’s characteristic guitar-driven frenzy. The shift is seismic, marked by biting riffs, spat-out vocals, and drums that land with the weight of the emotion that inspired them. This explosive climax isn’t just a stylistic flourish; it’s the sonic manifestation of the song’s narrative arc.

Lead vocalist Jack River reveals the deep, personal well from which ‘Sometimes’ draws its power. What began as a song about a breakup transformed into something far profounder following the sudden deaths of two friends. River explains the revelation: “After my mates died... I realised how I wanted to live: to love better.” This acceptance of loss, whether romantic or existential, is the track's beating heart.

The structure itself is a testament to the band’s instincts. River notes that drummer Dan accidentally kicked in after the first chorus during rehearsal, creating an unplanned, perfect "moment of accidental perfection" that defined the song’s flow from brooding ballad to celebratory anthem. This journey—from an aching heart to an explosion of life-affirming joy—makes ‘Sometimes’ a powerful meditation on navigating grief.

Musically, Sweet Unrest successfully marry the heartfelt lyricism with a crunchy ‘90s rock edge. The unexpected sonic burst, which River credits partly to his bandmate Leon rewriting the opening chords to create a genuine surprise, keeps the listener engaged and continually recalibrating.

Sweet Unrest is clearly an act building momentum, boasting festival main-stage appearances (Hanwell Hootie, Lakefest) and high-profile support slots for acts like Carl Barat. With sold-out residencies, BBC Radio 6 Music airplay from Steve Lamacq, and a debut physical release charting at No. 12, their ascent is well-earned. Recording recently at Abbey Road only cements their status as one of the most exciting emerging acts.

‘Sometimes’ is more than just a new single; it’s an affirmation. It proves that Sweet Unrest thrives in chaos, expertly flirting with disaster before landing on a note of exhilarating, life-affirming celebration. This track is essential listening for anyone craving rock music that feels both timelessly nostalgic and fiercely contemporary.