ALBUM REVIEW: An Ending In Itself – Sleeping With Sirens
Over the last 17 years, SLEEPING WITH SIRENS have become iconic in the alternative scene. Their debut With Ears To See And Eyes To Hear changed everything for the Florida five piece. The track If I’m James Dean, You’re Audrey Hepburn became momentous with emos around the world and they have been on an upward trajectory ever since. Fast forward to the present day and SLEEPING WITH SIRENS have just released their eighth LP An Ending In Itself courtesy of Rise Records, after a four year break. This new album evidently evokes the unbreakable relationship between the band and their ride or die fanbase.
The title track opener is an impactful and emotional start to An Ending In Itself. Lyrically detailing vocalist Kellin Quinn‘s struggles with mental health. Instead of being sorrowful and pessimistic, the song offers hope with light at the end of the tunnel for anyone going through similar things in their own lives. Follow up Forever/Always is also an important single on the track list. Featuring another impeccably catchy chorus hook, Quinn sings optimistically about the significance of having good friends in your life and the positive impact they can have.
Need You Here is a highlight. Superbly incorporating Quinn‘s insane vocal ability with an unforgettable melody hook throughout, this track runs deep expressing fondness for a long lost lover. “All I know / Is that I need you here / Don’t let me go / Don’t let me disappear,” Quinn sings vehemently. House Of Matches is simply fantastic from start to finish. There is no doubt that the chorus will stick in your head for weeks to come – it is sure to become a fan favourite especially at live shows. Paralyzed is a welcome treat and a great change of pace; their heaviest release in years. Inspired heavily by other iconic bands such as THE USED and THRICE, it brings us back to the iconic noughties SLEEPING WITH SIRENS sound we first came to love.
On the other hand, Waiting For You seems predictable and expected in comparison. There is no substance whatsoever which is disappointing this far into the record. Additionally, Process is a little yawn worthy with no variation on chord progression throughout, leading to the track falling flat, whereas PTSD has inspiring lyrical content yet musically it just seems quite repetitive and lacklustre.
Despite several musical let downs on An Ending In Itself, SLEEPING WITH SIRENS undoubtedly redeem themselves with many highlights. Standout tracks such as Forever/Always and House Of Matches successfully up the ante. This record seems diversely different to the rest of their extensive back catalogue; a definite resurgence for the band who still manage to sound fresh in the modern day despite their almost 20 year legacy.
Rating: 8/10
An Ending In Itself is out now via Rise Records.
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