Album Review: The Sleeping - What it Takes

It's been 3 years since The Sleeping released their Victory debut 'Questions and Answers' now the New York post-hardcore band are back with their 3rd album 'What It Takes'.

From the start they are on fine form with 'You'll Be A Corpse Before Your Time' with Douglas Robinson's distinctive and passionate vocals taking charge and as the album progresses, you come to realise they are a band that are definitely taking a step forward.

Tracks like 'Friday Night', 'Bomb The World' and 'Shallow Lungs' are more layered and thought out than the bands previous efforts, whilst they remain the melodies and tight instrumentation that made The Sleeping great in the first place.

It is also worth mentioning that the 5-piece can show they can take a step back from the ferocious, fast-paced songs they are known for. 'Running Faster' begins with a smooth jazz-like piano and the band manages restrain themselves from letting go, which lets the track go along at a nice steady pace. Later on 'Anyone Night Stand' becomes one of the albums highlights, with the good combination Robinson's dark lyrics and the rest of the bands atmospheric playing makes the track stand out.

Overall 'What It Takes' is an impressive return for The Sleeping and will win over new fans, as it has plenty of choruses and melodies but at the same time, they have that same raw energy that made 'Questions and Answers' so great. 'What It Takes' definitely sees The Sleeping expanding and improving themselves as musicians and as song-writers.

'What it Takes' by The Sleeping is released on Victory Records on February 16th.
Myspace.

4/5

Sean Reid