With place on the headline stage at Warped Tour and their third full-length album being released, 2013 is already a good year for Sleeping With Sirens.
Since forming in 2009 the Orlando five-piece have made a name for themselves in the most respectable way a band can in this time, through constant touring and a steady release of new music.
The last release from the quintet saw a different acoustic direction, now they’re back with all instruments in tow but leaving behind their ‘hardcore’ edge.
Unfortunately, unlike lead singer Kellin Quinn predicted, Feel doesn’t bring waves of excitement. In terms of the band’s previous releases, there has been a shift in the composition with more focus being put on Quinn’s uniquely recognisable softer vocals, with the hardcore elements of screams and heavier musical arrangement almost completely eliminated.
But with heavier elements taken away, the band have tried to be more creative, adding pop and electronic elements and most interestingly in ‘Alone’ a rap-rock hybrid with guest vocals from rapper Machine Gun Kelly.
These creative outbursts sometimes fall short though. ‘Congratulations’ featuring Memphis May Fire’s Matty Mullins for example, could have been great but instead lies tremendously mediocre. Throughout the album the lyrics either split between being too embarrassing to ignore or deliver a catchy as hell chorus.
Feel shows Sleeping With Sirens pushing their own boundaries, unfortunately they don’t push the boundaries of the post-hardcore scene enough for the album to be a standout.
In saying this, for a younger audience just getting into the scene Sleeping With Sirens have the musicianship to entice and the lyrics to connect. With their recognition and fan base growing worldwide, it seems this is one facet of their career most can agree with.
