A self-assured solo project from an artist secure in their identity...
23 · 06 · 2025
Emerging from the considerable influence of 5 Seconds of Summer, Calum Hood’s debut solo album, ‘ORDER chaos ORDER’, balances deep introspection with a rich sonic palette. Naturally curious and thoughtful, Hood approaches life with a sense of wonder and emotional honesty, exploring themes like love, longing, sorrow, and trauma. This essence permeates the album's potent, raw, and tender indie sound: a genre-blending, authentically heartfelt compilation that unveils new nuances with each listen.
As the title implies, the album reflects a journey from order to disarray and back again. While it doesn’t adhere to the traditional concept album format, its arrangement and emotional trajectory feel deliberately crafted. Emerging from what Hood describes as “a tumble dryer of knowing and not knowing,” he began with a defined artistic intent but soon found himself immersed in uncertainty, ultimately regaining balance through creative surrender.
Starting with a captivating mix of post-punk melancholy and sparkling indie pop, lead single ‘Don’t Forget You Love Me’ establishes a dreamy, introspective atmosphere for the album. The hauntingly beautiful and soul-searching lyrics — “Crying out my eyes / And I’m sitting there wondering / If I wanna be alive” — encapsulate the raw vulnerability at the core of the track, as Hood’s strikingly monotone voice glides seamlessly over the atmospheric instrumentation, enhancing the emotional resonance without feeling overbearing.
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Drawing upon an indie-electronic sound reminiscent of Phoenix, M83, and Teddybears, tracks like ‘Sunsetter’ and ‘Streetwise’ merge organic guitar riffs with ambient synths — a delicate balance that Hood navigates with finesse. Instead of relying on prominent hooks or overly polished textures, these songs derive strength from restraint, crafting an atmosphere through layered melodies and a gentle momentum. A nostalgic haze from the 2000s pervades the arrangements, suggesting the softness of shoegaze while avoiding its heavier clichés. This musical direction feels both reminiscent and progressive, with each track unfolding like an intimate diary entry: raw with vulnerability and quiet reflection, as if Hood is sharing his innermost thoughts.
Exposing the emotional foundation — love lost, identity questioned, and memories revisited — ‘Call Me When You Know Better’ dives into dream pop with tight, melancholic vocals and swirling guitars, whereas the slow-building ‘All My Affection’ is more subdued in sound but expansive in emotion. In the latter, he croons during the chorus, “So take everything left of me / Anything that you might want / All my affection is all I have to lose,” and “Wave me in from off the street / Shelter me under your love / All I can do to stay close to you.”
In summary, ‘ORDER chaos ORDER’ is a striking genre-blending statement affirming Hood’s position beyond just being a solo artist. This album demonstrates that Hood is not only capable of standing independently but also of crafting a soundscape that feels deeply personal and authentically vulnerable. With textured, layered instrumentals and intimate, honest lyrics, ‘ORDER chaos ORDER’ invites listeners into Hood’s world with a candidness that lingers well after the final track ends; its greatest strength? It avoids attempting to be all things to all people, which enhances its appeal.
8/10
Words: Shannon Garner
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Calum Hood's debut solo album, 'ORDER chaos ORDER', steps away from the extended influence of 5 Seconds of Summer, showcasing a blend of introspection and diverse soundscapes.