Score: 3.5/5
If fans fell asleep on Sleeping with Sirens, this album is sure to wake them up.
The band released its fourth full-length album, “Madness,” on Tuesday, and it’s everything its members needed and a little bit more.
Even though the band’s been around since 2009 and has consistently released content, it almost felt like they faded into the background, except for frontman Kellin Quinn’s feature on Pierce the Veil’s “King for a Day.”
What’s especially interesting about “Madness” is its eclectic sound. Every side of SWS that the band’s ever shown can be heard on this album from its soft and sweet serenades to its hardcore rock anthems. While the mix of styles can feel a little missmatched on occasion, the album overall is a win for both the band and its fans.
They waste no time returning to their roots with album-opener, “Kick Me.” Prepare for the exhilarating guitar chords and angsty teen lyrics because this is a blast from the past, and it’s done quite well.
The next two tracks, “Go Go Go” and “Gold,” follow suit, but they have a stronger pop-punk vibe. Only three songs in, and the band’s already switched up its style. It’s still the signature sound from before, but it’s executed better.
Other songs worth checking out on the 13-track album are “Fly,” “We Like It Loud,” “November” and the title track, “Madness.” Between these four, listeners will encounter a little rock, pop and slower ballads. There’s at least one strong song in each category for anyone to enjoy.
It appears there’s also a downside to showcasing so many different styles in one collection. Some of the songs feel a little underdeveloped or as if they’re following a formula many bands have used before them. While the formula works, those songs sound a little tired. For example, “The Strays” and “Don’t Say Anything” aren’t bad songs — just nothing new.
The band’s receiving a lot of praise for this album and its decision to work with producer John Feldmann, who happens to be the lead singer of Los Angeles band Goldfinger. Feldmann has worked with countless other bands in similar genres including All Time Low, Escape the Fate and We Came As Romans.
SWS also switched from Rise Records to Epitaph Records for this particular album, which also seems to have been a wise decision. Overall, the band’s production choices mixed with each member’s talent make this album a success.