Papa Roach

F.E.A.R

Written by: EL on 23/02/2015 12:22:28

After a nearly staggering two-decade long career, Papa Roach have now released their eighth studio album. With music producers Kevin and Kane Churko behind them for their eighth instalment, Papa Roach show no sign of wearing out. "F.E.A.R." appears to present itself as a bold, fresh new turn in PR’s musical history. It was noted during the recording process of this album that the band went into the studio without any prior written ideas and started completely from scratch, which gives the album a much more distinct, harder feel. With the Churko’s behind them, the album consists of a more electronic vibe especially in opening track "Face Everything and Rise".

For the fans who can’t quite get to grips with the new electronic material, never fear as the band have made sure that they have left some resemblance to their previous works with track such as "Love Me Till It Hurts", "War Over Me" and "Broken as Me". These tracks in particular really rock hard and give off that gritty feel that everyone knows so well with Papa Roach. Having said that, there are a few (some unwelcome) surprises littered around the album as Jacoby Shaddix lays done some rap style vocals that take a sort of hip hop turn with Shaddix opening the confessions box to his fans. Maria Brink of In This Moment compliments Shaddix’s rapping in "Gravity", which in turn gives this song the opportunity to be a fantastic single.

Making another deep personal connection, which the band seem to do so well, is "Never Have To Say Goodbye". It’s hard-hitting and memorable and really pushes the envelope for band evolution. Another rare guest appearance occurs with Royce da 5’9 on "Warrior’s", which again comes as a surprise as Papa Roach are known for keeping their distance from guest vocals and yet suddenly they are all over the idea.

Now as much as I can appreciate that this band has survived nearly two decades I inevitably also can’t help but feel however, that it might be time to give up soon. The track titles feel forced and gone are the days of teenage angst that so passionately drove their first albums. This album in itself feels like an awkward adult emo who still lives in his parents’ basement, with his wife. Listening to the songs it’s clear that it was Shaddix’s intention to get some good crowd chants, not actually identify with them and present some sort of deeper meaning to is lyrics.

With songs that talk about a failing marriage, connecting to an adopted son and being an adult, you’d think that the songs would have a more emotional effect on PR’s fans but it all just falls a little flat. It feels like the album was almost made just for the sake of being made and was there to try and keep the band relevant, which unfortunately they really aren’t anymore. The rap-rock that we formerly were acquainted with has been placed on the back burner and has been replaced with some sort of overproduced instrumentally nauseating, cringe worthy and underwhelming content. Time to call it a day maybe?

5

Download: Gravity
For The Fans Of: The Used, Lostprophets, Cage 9, Hoobastank, P.O.D
Listen: facebook.com

Release date 27.01.2015
Eleven Seven Music


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