California’s Papa Roach are almost as old as their current fanbase now. Entering their 22nd year of life as a band, they’ve set about releasing their 8th album, which in this day and age, is a feat in itself. Having been through a bit of a career renaissance following their last release ‘The Connection’, this album gives Papa Roach the chance to continue that momentum.
So the question is, do they? And the answer is; yes. ‘The Connection’ offers a different Papa Roach, one that features electronic elements at the fore, for the first time in their long career. ‘F.E.A.R.’ features some electronics, but they seem more urgent and integral to the songs. ‘F.E.A.R.’ stands for ‘Face Everything And Rise’, which alludes to facing fears and beating them. The title track is the second single and first track on the album, which sets out a stall of heavy electronics and riffs, with a very sleazy vocal performance from vocalist Jacoby Shaddix. Whilst Jacoby said a few years ago that he was ‘tired of rapping’ there are still elements of it in his deliveries, and there’s even a rapper guestspot on lead single ‘Warriors’ that features ‘Royce Da 5’9’.
‘Broken As Me’ and ‘Hope For The Hopeless’ are rock and roll bangers, which would be perfect for the rock club dancefloors. The standout song of the whole album comes half way through and features Maria Brink from In This Moment, titled ‘Gravity’. The intro sounds like an Eminem song, with Shaddix faux-rapping the verses, while Brink’s harmonies in the background on the chorus brings a different feel to a great track, which only increases its appeal. There’s even an acoustic bridge to bring in the final chorus. Shaddix hasn’t ever sounded as good as he does on this song, it really shows off his range as a singer. ‘War Over Me’ and ‘Devil’ bring the album to a great crescendo, before the aforementioned ‘Warriors’ rounds off the album in great fashion. The two bonus tracks ‘Hope For The Hopeless’ and ‘Fear Love Hate’ are both definitely good enough to be included as full listings on the album and they wouldn’t be making up the numbers in any way.
Overall, Papa Roach have produced an album of quality, which will satisfy the fanbase they have and will most likely grow from this album. The songs are uncomplicated, easy to get with and understand and have a live audience in mind. Every chorus on this album has the feeling that a crowd will be screaming it back. They’ve taken everything that was good about their last album and made it even better. The surprising electronic elements now sound like they’ve always been a part of Papa Roach. Great album overall, and proof that bands can sustain life over decades and not lose their hunger and passion or quality.
ADAM ROSARIO