Order Chaos Order, the debut solo album by Calum Hood. It’s a deeply personal body of work— raw, unfiltered, and achingly honest. - An Album Review from By The Fans Magazine

Calum Hood - Order Chaos Order - Album Review

Words: Grace Wearn

Photo Credit: Sarah Eiseman

Calum Hood’s debut solo album Order Chaos Order is not just a collection of songs - it’s a far cry from arena-filling pop anthems, this record is introspective, emotionally raw, and sonically rich. Across ten tracks, Hood leans into vulnerability, reflecting on grief, identity, love, and loneliness, all while crafting a cohesive sonic world that feels oddly familiar.. Known to many as the bassist and vocalist of 5 Seconds of Summer, Hood steps into his own light here, trading pop-rock anthems for something far more introspective and hauntingly beautiful.

Opening with Impact: Nostalgia and Night Drives

The album opens with “Don’t Forget You Love Me,” an immediate standout. Nostalgic synths and punchy, ethereal drums set the stage, grounded by Hood’s expressive vocals. There’s a sense of motion in this track—it’s vibrant, cinematic, and tailor-made for a late-night drive, windows down, engine running in your old mustang and headlights stretching into the unknown. The track balances retro aesthetics with a modern edge, establishing the album’s core mood: longing in motion.

Desire, Grief, and Dance-Floor Sadness

“Call Me When You Know Better” is one of the album’s most infectious tracks, and a personal favourite of mine. With the lyrics “If I could change you, I would make you love me forever,” Hood explores the push and pull of desire, particularly the kind rooted more in lust than love. The beat invites movement—it’s easy to imagine dancing in a dimly lit bar with a drink in hand (rum & coke would be my go too personally!) smiling through a heartbreak you haven’t yet fully processed.

“Sweetdreams” continues the momentum, driven by a magnetic bassline that cuts through its hazy atmosphere. It’s hypnotic and immersive, the kind of track that plays in the background of an evening that turns introspective without warning. Even when heard on a casual dog walk (like I was as when writing this), it demands attention.

Then comes“I wanted to stay”  one of the album’s most tender moments. Hood channels his grief over the loss of his beloved dog into a heartbreakingly beautiful tribute. “My body is aching, I don’t wanna be here on my own” hits with quiet force. The track speaks not only to personal loss but to the unique, loyal love between human and pet. The production mirrors the sentiment—soft, sparse, and hauntingly reflective.

Dreamlike Escapes and Emotional Echoes

 “Sunsetter” continues the emotional landscape with a surreal, dreamlike tone. “What’s it gonna be, you and I forever?” floats over shimmering instrumentals that feel like the closing moments of a California summer—warm, wistful, and fading into memory.

In “All My Affection” Hood delivers one of the most vulnerable lyrics on the album: “Can you even feel it, all my affection?” It’s a stripped-down ballad steeped in emotional clarity. The quiet intensity here invites reflection and showcases his ability to speak softly and still be heard deeply.

“Endless Ways” moves into the terrain of self-discovery through human connection. “Sometimes it takes somebody else to know yourself” is a powerful moment of insight, emphasizing how others can reflect parts of us we might not see alone. The nostalgic production—with dulled laughs and ambient textures—feels like memory itself, adding a bittersweet emotional resonance.

Loneliness, Acceptance, and Clarity in Chaos

“Dark Circles” deals explicitly with isolation and the aching void left after a loss. “Life is so lonely without you” becomes a quiet anthem for those adjusting to new emotional realities. There’s a subdued, honest intensity that lingers long after the track ends.

“Streetwise” picks up the tempo again, incorporating punchy synths and heavy drums. Lyrics like “Fill my cup and drink it slow” hint at self-restoration and emotional pacing. It’s a subtle but poignant message: take what you need, slowly, and in your own time.

Closing track “Three of Swords” is named after the tarot card that symbolizes heartbreak and emotional pain. Yet, there’s a remarkable calm to the song. It suggests acceptance, even serenity, in the aftermath of emotional turmoil. The storm has passed—what’s left is stillness, clarity, and the soft echo of growth.

Calum’s euphoric strokes of songwriting genius are on full display in this album, weaving together heartfelt lyricism with a vibrant sonic palette.

There is a clear influence of European indie sounds—lush, atmospheric, and rhythmically driven. This influence doesn’t just sit in the background; it pulses through each track, giving the album a cohesive identity that feels both fresh and emotionally charged. The fusion of these elements creates a soundscape that’s not only easy to get lost in, but also deeply resonant. It’s a confident artistic statement that showcases Calum’s evolution and boldness as a songwriter. There are unclouded influences from the iconic Trainspotting soundtrack woven throughout the album, drawing on the distinct energy  of artists like Underworld, Iggy Pop, and Pulp.

However, this influence isn’t just surface-level—it feels intentional, almost like a modern homage to that era’s gritty, raw, and emotionally charged sound. The pulsing beats, atmospheric layering, and introspective lyricism reflect the same cultural tension and youthful intensity that then defined the Trainspotting aesthetic.

With its infectious beats and an impressive variety of sonic textures, this album firmly establishes itself as the soundtrack of the summer. Each track brings something fresh, yet cohesive, making it impossible not to move, feel, and revisit again and again.

Order Chaos Order comes out on the 13th June.