Bands come and go, trends are set, sounds go out of style and these days, the “in-thing” varies from minute to minute…but what doesn't change, is PAPA ROACH and their ability to not only survive, but thrive. During the nu-metal explosion in the early 00’s that spawned many, many bandwagon riders, Jacoby Shaddix and co were simply on another level with “Infest”, earning Grammy nominations and laying the foundations for a lengthy, successful career, that, over time has seen them establish themselves as one of the biggest bands of their generation. 2015 see’s the Californian quartet release their newest album; “F.E.A.R.”…what’s to be afraid of?
The album opens up with the title track; “Face Everything And Rise” and it becomes clear the band are afraid of nothing, it’s a positive message cloaked in a play on words. It’s about standing proud and tackling life’s hardships head-on, bettering yourself as a person and being strong. Musically it’s a follow on from their 2012 album “The Connection”, with elements of dub-electronica infused with their brand of alternative rock, and it’s a good start.
The tunes just keep coming too, with their ability to churn out incredibly enjoyable tracks one after the other evident yet again, with tracks like “Broken As Me”, “Falling Apart” and “Never Have To Say Goodbye”, the latter being a wonderfully gentle song, and they aren't even the main highlights! “Warriors” which was first released back last year as a teaser single is massive, almost dance rock in style and guaranteed to cause havoc at live shows, whereas by contrast “Gravity” is a beautifully open and honest sounding rap-lead piece of music, Shaddix with heart blatantly on sleeve, aided by guest vocalist Maria Brink of IN THIS MOMENT, it’s slower in tempo but that allows for the emotions to sink in all the more and it’s superb story telling.
Papa Roach may have slightly mellowed over time, there’s nothing here that’ going to stand up to older material like “M-80” or “Dead Cell”, but that’s not important. What’s important is they keep making the music they want to make, because after fifteen years they are yet to make a bad album. Credit to them, let’s hope we never do have to say goodbye anytime soon. [9]
Web: http://www.paparoach.com
The album opens up with the title track; “Face Everything And Rise” and it becomes clear the band are afraid of nothing, it’s a positive message cloaked in a play on words. It’s about standing proud and tackling life’s hardships head-on, bettering yourself as a person and being strong. Musically it’s a follow on from their 2012 album “The Connection”, with elements of dub-electronica infused with their brand of alternative rock, and it’s a good start.
The tunes just keep coming too, with their ability to churn out incredibly enjoyable tracks one after the other evident yet again, with tracks like “Broken As Me”, “Falling Apart” and “Never Have To Say Goodbye”, the latter being a wonderfully gentle song, and they aren't even the main highlights! “Warriors” which was first released back last year as a teaser single is massive, almost dance rock in style and guaranteed to cause havoc at live shows, whereas by contrast “Gravity” is a beautifully open and honest sounding rap-lead piece of music, Shaddix with heart blatantly on sleeve, aided by guest vocalist Maria Brink of IN THIS MOMENT, it’s slower in tempo but that allows for the emotions to sink in all the more and it’s superb story telling.
Papa Roach may have slightly mellowed over time, there’s nothing here that’ going to stand up to older material like “M-80” or “Dead Cell”, but that’s not important. What’s important is they keep making the music they want to make, because after fifteen years they are yet to make a bad album. Credit to them, let’s hope we never do have to say goodbye anytime soon. [9]
Web: http://www.paparoach.com
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