5/10
When US pop rockers Grouplove first emerged on the scene back in 2011, they were almost instantly pushed into the social bubble of that year, having their music used in a number of films and TV adverts and making them one of those bands that you don't think you know but you actually do. Since then, the band have been producing more of the same anthems in their glossy rock style, returning now with their third studio album 'Big Mess'.
While it is clear that they have tried to develop on the sound of their debut full-length, it is also apparent of their intensions of renewing that buzz from their formative years. Much of this release is clearly designed to get you engaged; whether it be the simple riffs or easy to understand lyrics, the record just keeps it basic from start to finish. And while that can still be appealing to some, it mostly creates a largely forgettable release with only a few standout moments.
'Big Mess' is far from what its name suggests though. The band have clearly got a mission plan in place, but with such little diversity within that sound, much of the album just seems to fly past without raising any eyebrows.