PAPA ROACH – The Connection
- Posted on 30-09-2012
This alternative hard rock act has come a long way from their "Infest" album days when "Last Resort" (with its "Hallowed Be Thy Name" riff similarity) ruled the airwaves in America. Vocalist Jacoby Shaddix had to undergo vocal surgery to remove a node on his throat shortly after finishing the recording sessions for this album "The Connection". So let’s look at what the quartet present for their seventh album- a 12 song (plus short intro), 45 minute blast of guitar driven hard rock that explores all elements of the Papa Roach sound.
"Still Swinging" is the first single, and it encapsulates a propulsive, slamming drum groove , electronic elements in the bridge break, plus all of the grab bag vocal tricks in Jacoby’s wheelhouse- singing and scatting with that audience grabbing chorus. "Silence Is the Enemy" opens with keyboard swirls not unlike those employed by Orgy and a sarcastic meets screaming vocal and another furious guitar riff. "Leader of the Broken Hearts" is tailor made for rock radio, the verses and chorus simplified, emotional and universal for those who have struggled with the art of love. Those who love the mix of post-grunge, hard rock, electronic elements and the sparse use of rapping will find Papa Roach hasn’t lost any of their bite and passion for music.
Favorites change from day to day, but I loved the bass pumping "Not That Beautiful" and equally spasmodic, yet seductive "Wish You Never Met Me" after numerous passes through my ears. Proof that they were not a one hit wonder, "The Connection" has a number of songs that will translate well live and should appease the hundreds of thousands in the Papa Roach camp already.
Not necessarily my every day cup of tea, but "The Connection" gets the job done when I need simpler, hard hitting music for workouts or tension release.