5 Seconds of Summer dive into the dark reality of being everyone’s favorite “Boyband” on enticing new single

After years of hating being defined by the term, 5 Seconds of Summer are now owning the “Boyband” persona on their surprise-released new single. “Boyband” is the latest taste of their highly-anticipated sixth album Everyone’s A Star! arriving on November 14th.

“Boyband” was first premiered live at a surprise pop-up performance on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles that occurred shortly after the announcement of Everyone’s A Star! last month. The synth-driven track is an epic demonstration of the group’s evolution and continues to build upon the darker themes promised for this new era. “Boyband” on the surface sounds like a playful, upbeat effort that toys with the glamour of being a mega-star. However, the track becomes much more dismal and details the scrutinizing reality of being in the spotlight once you dig a little deeper.

5 Seconds of Summer display the darker undertones of fame through the lyrics of the song, with lines like “Love me when I’m skinny and we never, ever age” and “Boyband, boyband, make that monkey dance” showcasing the messed up reality they’ve faced throughout their career. “Boyband” is a powerful, brutally honest effort that mocks the glamorization of the real people behind one of the world’s most beloved phenomena. The group shares,

“We’ve always been called a boyband and this song is about us owning that narrative and taking the power back.”

5 Seconds of Summer recently announced that they’ll be returning to Australia for two exclusive fan events in Melbourne and Sydney at the end of October. Fans can pre-order Everyone’s A Star! and enter for a chance to win tickets to the special Q&A and listening events here.