Lovehatetragedy

Amazon.com For their second major-label release, Northern California's Papa Roach follow the same recipe of other rap-metal crossovers: aggressive, thick-chugging riffs, angst-driven lyrics, and touches of good ol' classic rock. Tracks "Time and Time Again," "Born with Nothing, Die with Everything," and "She Loves Me Not" have big, fat, clever choruses, which would fit with ease on harder mainstream radio. Elsewhere, they are far more engaging: "M-80 (Explosive Energy Movement)" bashes away with punk stylings, and the sweeping "lovehatetragedy" includes interesting chord and tempo changes. Jacoby Shaddix (the vocalist formerly known as Coby Dick) gives an impressive performance, and while he might not have the power of most of his contemporaries, he makes up for it with his more melodic approach, even within his raps. The only thing that's lacking is a distinction factor that sets them apart from everyone else, but at least they didn't steal any Iron Maiden riffs this time. --Gail Flug Product description Papa Roach have found on their second album, lovehatetragedy, that isolation and loneliness come back to haunt you no matter where you are in life. They confronted their bug-like demons on debut Infest, beating them back with cathartic spray, and were ready to move on--until they found that fame has brought them an entirely different swarm of messed-up feelings, which now need to be exorcised. Nu-metal has started to rust somewhat, and these razor-sharp pieces of musical shrapnel effectively sidestep a rehash. "Decompression Period" is surprisingly moving, and "Life Is a Bullet" and "M-80" are both startling and original. It's occasionally let down by a processed, over-produced glossy sheen: vacuum-packed, detuned guitar riffs, a sealed tub of well-calculated angst and a gruff vocal that is somehow mandatory in conveying these feelings of frustration to a supposedly messed-up, disenfranchised generation. There's a lot of rock, but not an awful lot of roll. It's dense--but only superficially. For the heaviest album ever written, honours could go to U2's Achtung Baby, who's distress is less in your face and more playful than anything on lovehatetragedy, which makes it far more effective. There's wallowing to be had here, though, as its sonic hooks leap out and snag onto your dark thoughts through clenched teeth and damp eyes. This is what made Papa Roach special first-time round, and this is what makes them so appealing now. --Ben Johncock
ASIN: B0000631CN
VSKU: DBV.B0000631CN.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Papa Roach
Binding: Audio cd
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Condition Notes: Individually inspected: Guaranteed to play perfectly or your money back. Case may show wear and may be in library packaging. Ships Fast!