London-based five-piece Sweet Unrest return with Sometimes, a single that perfectly encapsulates their signature tension between delicate sensitivity and full-throttle alt-rock energy. Branded by the band as ‘Gritpop,’ the track is an emotional rollercoaster, opening with reflective acoustic tones before erupting into the urgent, guitar-driven frenzy that has become their calling card. The juxtaposition of softness and explosive intensity is a hallmark of their sound, and here it feels sharper, more personal, and more immediate than ever.
Produced by Luke Burgoyne (Libertines, Louis Tomlinson, J Hus), Sometimes is both heartfelt and sonically gripping. Crunchy riffs, emphatic drumming, and spat-out vocals collide with moments of delicate, melancholic reflection, echoing the spirit of 90s rock while keeping one foot firmly in the present. The track’s unexpected transitions—the quiet intro giving way to a jubilant eruption—mirror the emotional journey at its core: grief giving way to celebration, loss transforming into joy. Each musical choice feels purposeful, the band balancing chaos and control with an uncanny instinct for drama.
Lead vocalist Jack River reveals the story behind the song: a breakup initially inspired its creation, but it wasn’t until the loss of two close friends that the song truly came alive. “After their deaths, I realised how I wanted to live: to love better. If I could do that, they wouldn’t have died for nothing,” she explains. This duality—mourning alongside the impulse to celebrate life—is woven into the very structure of the track. An accidental rehearsal moment, where drummer Dani Jam kicked in after the first chorus, became the defining pivot: a haunting acoustic reflection morphing into a jubilant, almost danceable climax.
Since forming in 2022, Sweet Unrest have rapidly carved out a reputation for high-octane live performances and emotionally charged songwriting. Festival appearances at The Great Escape, Isle of Wight, and Lakefest, alongside support slots with Carl Barat, Republica, and The Vapors, have cemented their status as a band to watch. Their debut physical release hit No.12 on the UK vinyl chart and sold out at Rough Trade, while BBC Radio 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq hailed them as “a constant source of joy and amazement.” With over 260k Spotify streams and sessions recorded at Abbey Road, the band’s momentum shows no sign of slowing.
Sometimes is more than a single—it’s a manifesto of Sweet Unrest’s artistry, transforming personal grief into shared catharsis. With their upcoming live dates, including a Camden residency and headline shows across the UK, the band are poised to bring their raw energy and emotional honesty to fans new and old. Sweet Unrest’s ability to flirt with chaos while delivering tightly crafted, heartfelt songs makes them a compelling force in modern alt-rock, reminding us that the most joyous moments can often rise from the heaviest of places.
