British “speed punk” band Sweet Unrest effectively captures the frenetic and overwhelming aspects of life in their music. They sat down with Atwood Magazine to explore themes of poetry, their commitment to raw and unfiltered expression, and their latest single, “How Are You Feeling?”
“How Are You Feeling?” – Sweet Unrest
Edgy and wild, UK indie rock group Sweet Unrest’s new single “How Are You Feeling?” is chaotic in an exciting way. The track features explosive drums, booming bass lines, and grungy guitar riffs, complemented by powerful, relentless vocals. Its message resonates with the disorderly chaos of contemporary life, which can be especially difficult for those with ADHD and ASD to maneuver. This experience, marked by frustration and confusion, is articulated in “How Are You Feeling?” The song also comments on the current casual sex culture and the hesitance to commit.
“How Are You Feeling?” – Sweet Unrest
Released on January 16, 2025, the track takes listeners through a rollercoaster of emotions, and we are here for it. Sweet Unrest is made up of lead vocalist Jack River, lead guitarist Marlo Richards, drummer Dani Ali, and rhythm guitarist Tom Waller. Formed in 2022, they quickly discovered a remarkable musical chemistry, drawing from both poetry and their personal experiences to create music that is as enchanting as it is vibrant. Previous singles like “Peace of Mind” and “Falling For You” showcase these elements, while the latest release is more upbeat and equally engaging.
Answering the question, “How are you feeling?” can often be difficult. Emotions and situations can shift rapidly, causing confusion. Sweet Unrest’s song encapsulates that constantly changing nature.
“If this song were a drug, it would be some kind of speed, which happens to be similar to the medication that many people, including myself, take for ADHD,” Jack River shares. “We need various ways to cope with today’s world, and for me, this song serves that purpose.”
Atwood Magazine recently chatted with River about the band’s origins, their musical influences, the “wild and empty rollercoaster” of modern dating, and more!
“Essentially, what this band represents and what we express through it is what matters the most in our lives,” he explains. “From now on, our goal is simple: To develop the band into something that can sustain us financially so it can continue to nourish us spiritually because the truth is, we need it. We hope to entertain some others along the way.”
— —
:: stream/purchase How Are You Feeling? here ::
:: connect with Sweet Unrest here ::
— —
Sweet Unrest © Paul Fuller
A CONVERSATION WITH SWEET UNREST
Atwood Magazine: Sweet Unrest is an intriguing name for your band. How did you come up with it?
Jack River: It’s taken from a Keats poem, “Bright Star,” which happens to be one of my favorites. The line reads:
Pillow’d upon my fair love’s ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever – or else swoon to death.
It also captures our sound rather well. Plus, it’s essential to have something unique these days—there are so many bands with the same name on Spotify.
Jack River: I met Dan and Marlo on a musician's app called Vampr around Spring 2022. We often jammed at my house and would frequently head over to Marlo’s to record demos since he had good microphones. Being unemployed at the time was also a plus. We started performing live, and I soon found it hard to play guitar while writhing around the stage, so a few months later, we brought Tom on as a second guitarist. We felt the chemistry after a memorable, albeit poorly attended, 'gig' in a quiet West London pub where we essentially just jammed while the audience heckled us. After about 2 years and 6 bassists, we finally found Leon through my girlfriend, who was eager to join us as our permanent bassist. He seemed thrilled and left all his other bands immediately.
You have a “speed punk” sound that’s lively and raw. How did your musical style develop?
Jack River: Behind the bins of a Tesco, it was over in about two minutes! In truth, we didn’t consciously create it. It’s just what we are naturally drawn to play and write. Marlo and I generate a variety of songs, and when one resonates with the entire band, that’s the one we finish. The ‘speed punkiness’ is a reflection of our enthusiasm for a tune. However, we also enjoy slower, sweeter songs. The chance to let loose and indulge in madness is rare, especially when
London-based group WOOM returns with their latest single, 'Circe'. This four-member band showcases a skillful, experimental sound that is subtly understated in its capacity to transcend the
Cult band Cocorosie has released a new track titled 'Pushing Daisies'. The sisters have been collaborating for more than twenty years, with their partnership deeply rooted in their sisterly bond.
Calling on the club experts to gather at Archives, a lively warehouse space tucked in North London, Coach and Boiler Room are toasting to the
Finn Wolfhard is set to launch his first solo album, 'Happy Birthday,' this summer. Recognized for his acting, Finn Wolfhard has also been nurturing a parallel career as a
Experimental punks Maruja from Manchester create chaos wherever they perform. Looking for proof? The band put in a tremendous effort during a rapid-fire performance.
Sam Fender's ‘People Watching’ is a remarkable tribute to the North East and an immediate classic. From his signature Springsteen-inspired anthems to more minimalist indie rock vibes, it's clear that Fender's third album is a significant achievement.
The British "speed punk" band Sweet Unrest vividly captures the chaotic and intense aspects of life in their music. They spoke with Atwood Magazine about poetry, their enthusiasm for genuine, unrefined expression, and their latest single, "How Are You Feeling?"