After releasing their fourth album days before the start of the pandemic, Grouplove is back with its fifth, surprising fans who weren’t expecting new music so soon. 

This Is This captures both Grouplove’s feelings and the feelings of listeners around the world after a harsh year of turmoil and isolation. The cancelation of Grouploves’s long-awaited 2020 headlining tour caused frustration and confusion, and it seems to be a leading theme in their new music. 

On this album, Grouplove explores many new sounds and more musical freedom than in previous years. This Is This seems like a form of therapy that gave the band power to explore during a time of uncertainty and ups and downs. 

The first song, “Primetime,” kicks off the album with an upbeat and strong tone. Listening and singing along to “Primetime” feels liberating and cathartic — like screaming into a pillow. The band’s built-up anger and frustration shines through on this song. 

Further into the album, “Oxygen Swimming” takes a drastic turn, slowing down the energy of the album and giving off a more relaxed vibe. This gives listeners a moment to reflect on the previous songs, which were more fast paced and angsty.  

This Is This clearly highlights the band’s ups and downs throughout the pandemic, and it sets a new precedent for albums to come.