Gossip contains adventurous, ambitious tracks, but stops short of being fully realized.On September 22, 2017, Sleeping With Sirens released their long awaited fifth studio album, “Gossip.” Newly signed to Warner Bros., fans speculated that this change in record labels would affect the sound of the music. If Gossip is Sleeping with Sirens developing a new sound or taking on a new style, it hasn’t fully taken shape yet. Unfortunately, it still remains to be seen. If they pursue songs like the out–of–left–field opener “Gossip” and “Trouble”, they could develop a new sound entirely their own and bring something unique to the rock and alternative scene. If this album is an indication of where Sleeping with Sirens is going stylistically, their future is exciting. The album does succeed in being both lyrically and sonically mature, but it’s a growth that’s far from finished. Frontman Kellin Quinn’s vocals are as impressive and well–executed as always, although the songs don’t play as much to his strengths as previous material did. Gossip is bolstered by its strong instrumental backbone, punctuated by solid guitar riffs and drumming. Sleeping with Sirens is talented enough that any songs they record sound compelling. The best song on Gossip is arguably the confident, dynamic and energetic “Empire to Ashes.” This is the most political the band have ever been, and the lyrical imagery is more sophisticated than in previous songs. On “Trouble,” the band seamlessly integrates pulsing percussion with a smooth, groove-heavy melody. “Trouble” is the most ambitious and experimental song-and it works, it shocks, it wins you over. The louder rock songs, including, “Trouble,” “Cheers” and “Empire to Ashes” are the highlights of the album. There's not a single screamed vocal on the album, although the bridge of “Chase” comes close. Gossip is split between riff-heavy, Royal Blood-esque rock–and–roll songs and a set of acoustic–driven radio ballads. The band has gone in a slightly different direction, but hasn't gone far enough. Its follow–up, Gossip, which still echoes the style of Madness, does not do as much or do it as well. The band successfully incorporated pop sensibilities into hard–hitting rock. The precursor to this year’s major label debut Gossip, 2015’s Madness was a fully realized, diverse and cohesive album. After making an album that firmly cemented them as a post–hardcore band, their sound has been inching towards a more pop–influenced rock style. It seems like everything Sleeping with Sirens does is a departure from their debut album, 2010’s With Ears to See and Eyes to Hear-if you believe they’ve “sold out,” it would be hard to pinpoint exactly when they did.

Sleeping with sirens gossip album sales