Papa Roach "The Connection"

What is The Connection between Papa Roach’s new studio offering and the self-titled album by the Deftones? Yes, both covers have a skull, but the color schemes are different, which convey the moods on each record. Both have passion and include experimentation; but it is more apparent in one record over the other. Papa Roach’s album seemed a "little" more diverse than the Deftones’ album, and not nearly as dark, but Deftones were always dark; toward the end the light shined a little brighter on the latter's album.                                      The first 51 seconds “Engage” you, while the second track confirms that traces of rap-rock and Shaddix’s flow are “Still Swingin,” or at least run at a consistent pace.  “Where Did the Angels Go?” is more about regret, and pain that he has caused those he loves, then the loss of his demons’ dance partners.                               One of the most experimental songs has to be “Silence Is The Enemy,” with an intro reminiscent of Dragonforce(?) that then moves to a electronic-tinged club jam. “Wish You Never Met Me” is a very addictive apology, due to that riff and rhythm, but it also connects with me due to the content of the song. I’m sure everyone has felt like Shaddix in the verse before this: “Now that I know that you’re not on my side/What good is love if it’s always denied?”                                                                                                                                    At first I thought “Give Me Back My Life” was about what happens when a musician begins touring, but situations like this happen to most people; they just don’t have as big an audience. “Breathe You In” expresses the freedom one feels when they embrace their vulnerability; a weight has been lifted, it’s easier to breathe, and that is a breath of fresh air.  For his fearless unveiling of his insecurities, he declares himself the “Leader of the Broken Hearts,” and is not merely a call to arms, but a single waiting to happen; I can picture the video already. While the sound is more upbeat overall, P Roach are still prone to the angst and rage that everyone is prone to (even scratching his vocal cords); especially when it comes to a hot body, with a soul that is “Not That Beautiful.” This song is for the "Walking Dead," as well as those who live their life, but sounds as if it is immune to the angst that is apparent on the rest of the record, and records like these; the instrumentals do anyways.                                                                                                                                                  Shaddix just “Won’t Let Up” with rapping, but I must admit that he drops nice verses. There are better verses, but “You’re not the first and you’re not the last/It only gets worse if you’re living in the past.” Anybody hear some Lil’ Wayne? “As Far As I Remember” I can hear a similar riff, from below the icy technolosea.  Favorites: Still Swingin, Where Did the Angels Go?, Silence is the Enemy, Wish You Never Met Me, Not That Beautiful, Walking Dead, As Far as I Remember.