I am flooded with nostalgia when I hear Grouplove songs. It is one of those bands that brings back happy memories from when I was a freshman or sophomore in college, the year they released their self-titled EP and later their album Never Trust a Happy Song. A few songs you may recognize from that album are “Colours”, “Tongue Tied” and “Itchin’ on a Photograph” which I would hear on the radio and became part of the musical backdrop to my summer breaks.

Spreading Rumours was released a couple of years later with songs like “Ways To Go”, “I’m With You” and “Shark Attack”. I remember blasting these tunes in the car with my friends, windows down and singing out loud. I went to their concert at Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City a couple of years ago and saw for myself their electric energy on stage. So maybe I’m a little bias but there’s no doubt their multitude of fans agree.

Grouplove’s new album Big Mess makes me feel like I’m catching up with an old friend because of its familiar vocals and infectious hooks. The album’s opening song is called “Welcome to Your Life” which from the get go kicks things off with an uplifting beat. The lyrics to this song are about embracing the big mess life can be and knowing you can make a change if you want to “make it your best year.” As we’re settling into the new school year it’s a good reminder to make the most of it.

Their alternative rock sound really shows on the song “Traumatized” because it starts off with an energizing drum beat and a nice jolt of electric guitar. The vocals on this track draw you in because of its raw and powerful emotion. You’ll easily get the catchy chorus stuck in your head. The song takes a dip in tempo for emphasis then rages on with the guitar leading the way to pick it back up at the end. “Good Morning” in contrast has more of a synthpop sound. It’s a feel good dance song that introduces the guitar halfway through and has a really cheerful melody. It would fit right into some of the many festival scenes that they have played like Coachella or Lollapalooza.

Grouplove is on the Big Mess World Tour and are performing at The Complex 536 W. 100 S. Salt Lake City on October 17th, doors open at 7 pm. http://www.thecomplexslc.com/event-1178.htm