Dayseeker - Sleeptalk (Deluxe) (2021) Hi-Res

Before this comes across like another example of haranguing another band for embracing the lighter electronic approach, it’s worth saying that Dayseeker at least deserve the slightest modicum of credit for easing into it. 2017’s Dreaming Is Sinking /// Waking Is Rising did look to expand a hitherto conventional metalcore sound into more widescreen pastures, so to begrudge Dayseeker of the opportunity to continue down that path entirely would be a bit unfair. That said, the fact that they’re choosing now to go full force in that direction can seem a bit questionable, especially when it’s still extremely in vogue at the moment, and it’s hard to say that the pre-release singles have continued a smooth transition instead of just jumping into the same mould with everyone else. And it’s not like this sort of thing can’t be done well either, but there was always going to be some hesitation when this exact career path is being turned to yet again, especially when it’s been done so many times before and flamed out almost as regularly.

And yet, Sleeptalk is actually a fairly solid album that manages to avoid a lot of the truly awful features usually boasted by this sort of metalcore, though not quite enough to transcend that general catchment into something more. Dayseeker have done a fair job here.