Sleeping With Sirens

The HMV Forum, London

16.05.13

5/5

Reality is, this is Sleeping With Sirens’ first ever UK headline tour.  But thousands of miles away from home and a sign that says “sold out” above the 2,000 capacity venue, the Florida five-piece, however, were created for shows like tonight’s.

Now in their fifth year as a band, frontman Kellin Quinn and his fellow band member’s look, sound and act like arena veterans, they have the poise, the talent, the huge singalongs and monster size hooks. Most of all, they have a following that is only going to multiply in the presence of their new album Feel.

Breaking the ice with a fresh track off Feel, These Things I’ve Done is welcomed with high pitched screams that if any louder would wash out Kellin’s vocals. The moments of sheer excellence is when With Ears To See, And Eyes To Hear and Tally It Up, Settle The Score brings both the band and crowd to an almighty singalong as every lyric is sang from those standing at the bar to those clutching onto the barrier at the very front.

It’s hard to imagine newlywed-Kellin’s childhood as he speaks of his absent father when introducing A Trophy Father’s Trophy Son. But the genius behind the melodies only goes and dishes out superb showmanship with every song. Then just as he proves all the nit pickers wrong, he treats fans to the vulnerable side of his life- his daughter Copeland who he brings out on stage at the request that everyone remains quiet to avoid “scaring her”. And it’s the only 30 seconds of the night that the quintet can actually hear a pin drop.  

“Falling In Reverse have a song called Alone. Our next song is also called Alone. Don’t worry it sounds nothing like it” assures Kellin. And sure, united they rise with special guest MGK (Machine Gun Kelly) on board to take SWS out of their comfort zone. But divided they still shine, with it only adding an additional spark to the SWS flame, and it’s going to take much more than your average fire extinguisher to put Kellin and co out. Soaring through a mist of sweat and excitement, the night draws to a close with the catchy, almost anthem-like If You Can’t Hang. Next stop, Brixton Academy, and that’s when SWS are really going to cause more havoc and attention than an SOS signal.