Sweet Unrest are a London-based alternative rock act who have just caught my attention thanks to their debut, self-titled four track EP.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Farris Simmons
There’s a wealth of influences on display on Sweet Unrest. Across its four tracks we get tastes of grunge, Britpop and punk, all sewn together by an exciting and compulsive style. The EP starts with the relentless riffs of Do What I Choose, a life-affirming, finger to the world powerhouse delivered with laissez faire vocals.
She Never Ever Knows is a biting track written about an ex-girlfriend. It’s got a danceable groove which slowly builds during an extended instrumental intro before laidback, grunge-esque vocals come in. The drums, recorded by Grace Banks, are a particular highlight, and the spoken word poem at the end is a pleasant surprise.
Riverside opens with rumbling bass and captured audio. It’s shameless punk that swaggers along. Come Alive closes the EP with a tale of losing yourself and coming back stronger. It opens quiet and contemplative with acoustic guitar and echoing licks. Percussion comes in and the emotion slowly ramps up building to a dreamy, psychedelic verse and explosive chorus. It’s a strong finish, one that stays with you long after the last note of the EP is played.
Sweet Unrest are Marlo, Jack and Dani, and a cast of friends who join them for live performances. They formed in 2022 but have already gained a reputation for energetic shows in their neck of the woods. Their sound gives us the familiar and the new in an exciting combination which means I have no doubt they’ll prove a hit on the underground UK rock scene. This debut EP should go a long way to getting them the attention they deserve.
Sweet Unrest was mixed by Grace Banks. You can give it a listen below.