Feel

Feel, the junior full-length album of post-hardcore band Sleeping With Sirens, was recently released last week, June 4 2013. The fan base was anticipating the release of this album since the announcement of the band hitting the studio again. The opening track "Feel," brings a fast paced energy that excited me and made me question, what's next?

Being honest, I haven't listened to this band since my early years in high school. I want to say they were a part of my teen angst phase, but it was much more than that. I was able to connect with the lyrics and understand the true meaning behind them, something not particularly attempted in current popular music.

This album definitely wasn't what I expected. I was hoping for an amped up, aggressive, filthy growl erupting somewhere through the tracks mixed in with dance-y vibes and guitar licks that gave shivers; which really jumped out in contrast on the track "Low," released as a single earlier this year.

However, this album brought a whole new element that I was never expecting from a band of this stature. With bands of similar nature, like Pierce the Veil, who evolved into a more attacking and emotionally stirring band, getting song inspiration from tragedies, personal or from fans. With the incorporation of rap artist Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) on "Alone," there was definitely a new and intriguing outlook I had on this album.

The lyric packed tracks "The Best There Ever Was" and “Congratulations," adds some seething anger finally coming to its boiling point. "It must be so hard for you to not seem like the coward that you are... Then you'll have to beg for forgiveness for the man that you've become." "We're so sick of this so-called shitty music that you play."

A soft song, "Satellites," is easily one of my favorites. One of the things I've missed the most of this band was the range of lead singer, Kellin Quinn, which can be caught beautifully on this track.

Ex-clean vocalist from Of Mice & Men, Shayley Bourget, can be heard shining through on "I'll Take You There," as well as lead vocalist of Memphis May Fire, Matty Mullins, on "Congratulations."

The collaboration of these artists with Sleeping with Sirens and heavy lyrics, seemingly fueled by fire, has definitely done them justice. This album is a new favorite of mine, and everyone should go out and pick up a copy from their local record store.