Album Review: Ashton Irwin - 'BLOOD ON THE DRUMS'
For all the 5 Seconds of Summer fangirls, you are in for a treat with this one. Ashton Irwin, the drummer of 5 Seconds of Summer, steps into the spotlight as a frontman outside of the band, in his latest solo album ‘BLOOD ON THE DRUMS’.
The album, which Irwin describes as "a metaphor for how much I’ve given to my music," follows his 2020 debut solo album, ‘Superbloom’. In this album, Irwin showcases his vocals, song writing, and drumming skills in a way that moves beyond the stereotypical boyband music, offering a more mature and refined tone. Irwin released the album in two parts: the first eight tracks at the beginning of July, and the remaining tracks, completing the whole album, on July 17th.
How did the album come about? After the 5SOS tour, which sold over 6 million tickets, Irwin took a long, well-deserved trip back home to Australia. While most would have taken a break, Irwin chose to reflect on some of the world’s biggest pop-rock bands. With their guitarist Michael Clifford recently becoming a dad, Irwin wanted to take advantage of the band's break from a hectic schedule to focus on his work. His mind buzzing with ideas, he conceived his new album—a collection of tracks inspired by infectious 80s-tinged anthems, art-pop, rock bangers, and more.
The latest single and cornerstone track of the album, ‘The Canyon’, opens the new album with a gentle reggae-infused sound that builds into an intense climax, eventually transforming into a warm, multi-layered psychedelic vibe reminiscent of 1970s Laurel Canyon. Lyrically, the song tackles the issue of male suicide beneath its dynamic sound. Irwin is known for using his platform to discuss important matters, and this is a clear example of how he raises awareness on crucial topics.
‘BLOOD ON THE DRUMS’ explores the highs and lows of the past decade and was produced by John Feldman, who helped Ashton blend rock dynamism with modern pop production. Drawing inspiration from the 70s and 80s artists like The Police, Blondie, and George Harrison, Ashton created a phenomenal album with intricate instrumentation, propulsive grooves, and varied textures, making each song distinct from the last.
While ‘BLOOD ON THE DRUMS’ emphasises outward expression more than ‘Superbloom’, it still maintains the intimacy and honesty of his debut. The album not only draws inspiration from some of the greatest bands over the decades but also delves into Irwin’s personal reflections on his life in his 20s: “A lot of this album is me realising the life that I lived in my 20s, looking back just for a moment and really trying to encapsulate the things I went through and the life I lived and the blessings I’ve had -and the pitfalls. A massive part of it is embracing the parts of myself that I’ve been hiding or scared to share - that’s my vocal in general for the whole record, me exploring myself as a lead vocalist for the first time.”
The album is unquestionably a masterpiece. Spanning 16 tracks, Irwin poured his heart and soul into delivering a complete experience for his fans and showcasing his talents in his distinctive style. The album culminates with ‘Endless Wave’, a 5-minute track beginning with a psychedelic 80s sound for the first two minutes before Irwin's incredible vocals take centre stage. This track isn't for jumping around; it's perfect for a film soundtrack or for deeply immersing oneself.
The titular track of the album, ‘BLOOD ON THE DRUMS’, embodies a sound reminiscent of 5 Seconds of Summer’s more recent music. It feels like a modern incarnation of 5SOS, capturing both a grunge boyband vibe and a mature sound. The accompanying video features Irwin showcasing his drumming prowess, with the imagery of blood symbolising his intense work ethic and dedication to music.
The artwork and overall aesthetic of the album seem to draw inspiration from vintage film posters. With its red font and the striking contrast of black, white, and red, Irwin has crafted something truly cinematic, both visually and sonically.
‘BLOOD ON THE DRUMS’ is available to listen to on all streaming platforms, now!
Words by Emily Fletcher
