One of the biggest pieces of advice Benji, our manager, gave us before we started was to write songs that meant something to us, and we would take those songs and do whatever needed to be done with them. didn’t really affect our writing and recording process. You know, surprisingly, being on Warner Bros. With this being your major-label debut, how did that affect your approach creating it? “You can persevere, or you can give up, and that’s kind of the theme of this record: finding hope when the days are dark and finding your way into the light again.” Gossip succeeds in delivering an inspirational array of tracks that, as a whole, are a natural progression (and successful foray) into the mainstream. What it does deliver is a new soulful confidence best shown on tracks like the acoustic “One Man Army” and the infectious first single “Legends,” where Quinn expertly conveys finding the light at the end of the darkest tunnel. Gossip doesn’t fall in line with the post-hardcore that catapulted the band into the scene, nor does it contain quite as many of Kellin Quinn’s famous high-pitched runs as fans might expect. The biggest surprise, however, is “War,” a gospel-tinged slow jam begging for iPhone flashlights to emerge from a sea of concertgoers, suggesting this is the type of album best heard live.

Those with open ears (and minds) will be rewarded with everything from bluesy undertones (“Trouble”) to pop sensibilities (“Gossip”), while solidifying their rightful place in the rock world (“Empire To Ashes,” “Cheers”). Having inked a deal with Warner Bros., the band’s major-label debut unsurprisingly explores uncharted territory while remaining true to themselves. Be advised: This is not the Sleeping With Sirens fans have grown accustomed to over the years.

Sleeping with sirens gossip review