Sleeping with Sirens have explored their pop rock dimensions on another level with their newest album Madness. Since their last release, the band have further explored something different from their usual scope of music and this will surely have old and new fans divided. It’s hard to move past the heavy sounding, in-your-face back catalogue offered in their earlier albums, With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear and Let’s Cheer To This. It’s a sure enough reminder that the new record holds the essence of what the band used to be but you’ll feel as though something is lacking in its entirety.
Making first impressions count, “Kick Me” falls into the category of the nitty-gritty aspects of the band’s heavy roots. It’s aggressive and loud with Kellin’s amplified vocals, showcasing his high-tenor versatility. Highlighting a solid musicianship between the self-paced guitar and drum work, it’s an inviting way to keep old fans hooked; reminiscent of their original post-hardcore sound. In the same category of heavy tracks, “Better Off Dead” is infused with angsty guitar work and morbid lyrics, descriptive of someone’s struggle to move forward from the demons that have held them back.
It’s good news for pop punk lovers as the record contains tracks that highlight the band’s spontaneity as it’s something that wasn’t explored much in Feel. “Go Go Go” is fun and upbeat, resonating carefree attitudes and hype. The chorus is anthemic, highlighting the infectious energy that escalates right to the core of the vibrant atmosphere created. This musicianship is continued in “Don’t Say Anything”, getting the best of both pop punk and post-hardcore elements, which the band should’ve focused on achieving the right balance between both genres. With its mixed-bag of pop rock, post-hardcore and punk influences, the record itself isn’t as strong and cohesive and everything feels all over the place with not enough direction.
There’s of course soft acoustics being explored throughout and John Feldmann’s production work can be commended for. “Fly”, plays the field right through its heavy, dark sound in combination with a subtle pop-punk touch, making the band stand out from the rest. Lyrically speaking, the song speaks honesty and truth, “When you find the thing that matters most, you’ll never let it go”; a line that is definitive of realising that life has a purpose through the people we care most about. “Gold” and “The Strays” have that domino effect of light-hearted instrumentals, easily accessible for radio-play. With nothing but good intentions, both tracks reveal a sense of positivity by providing lyrical content that is inspirational to those needing it the most.
It’s hard to discourage the efforts made for this record as the band have proven once again that they’re not afraid of experimentation. It isn’t bad in respects to the originality and production of the record as it’s very sentimental in its approach. Unfortunately, this isn’t the pinnacle of the band’s career but the vast amount of potential makes me believe that they can do better.
Review Score: 6.9 out of 10
Madness is available now.
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