It has now been over a year since While She Sleeps released their 2021 LP Sleeps Society. A few months prior, the band had announced the release of a Sleeps Society (Deluxe Edition) along with the release of the newest single “Eye to Eye“. The original version of the record contained some of Sleeps‘ best tracks to date, but the album as a whole was weighed down by an unnecessary amount of interlude-like tracks “Pyai“, “Division Street”, and the closer “DN3 3HT“. With such tracks causing a whiplash effect in the album experience front-to-back, it left me wondering if the Sleeps Society (Deluxe Edition) could contain tracks that lessen that undesirable feeling. Check out our original album review written by Maximo David here.
For this deluxe edition review, I will only cover the new tracks added to the record. First, we start with an alternate version of”Systematic“, featuring Rou Reynolds of Enter Shikari. The track remains entirely the same except for a newly added section with a Reynolds feature sporting an electronic-like backing that definitely is reminiscent of Enter Shikari. Though a cool addition to the track, the original version is already good enough to the point where the feature doesn’t really add anything. It leaves me wondering why they hadn’t just used this in the original version, or just created an entirely new track with Reynolds to enhance the experience? Either way, an exceptional track that is fun on both album editions.
Next, we take a listen to the lead deluxe edition single “Eye to Eye“. At first, I was indifferent on the track, but over time it really grew on me. It doesn’t reinvent the wheelhouse in any way for Sleeps, but it’s an enjoyable listen and sports the band doing what they do best. “The Enemy is the Inner Me” is a much more enjoyable track: higher energy and featuring far more ear-pleasing singing sections that struck me on first listen.
Onto “The Long Way Home“, a track that this album certainly did not need, especially on an album already oversaturated with interlude-like tracks that ruin the flow. Whats worse is that the melody is quite good, and the overture sections are interesting. If they had utilized the melody in a song with more energy, it would have been one of the best tracks on the entire record. Lastly, “You Are All You Need (Acoustic Version)” is a wonderful acoustic rendition of the original. With some beautiful harmonies that are much more present in the mix than on the original track, it certainly is a new high point on the deluxe edition.
In the end, Sleeps Society (Deluxe Edition) doesn’t do much to change the experience of the record. It’s a good listen, and those that are fans of the original record will find a similar enjoyment in the deluxe edition. Though dragged down by dynamics that just don’t work, most of the additional tracks are enjoyable and certainly fit in with the Sleeps Society sound.
7.5/10
To preorder/stream Sleeps Society (Deluxe Edition) by While She Sleeps click here.