When you’ve been at the forefront of a music scene for almost twenty years, it becomes increasingly hard to release records as stimulating as you’ve been known for in the past and to branch out into new territories, gaining fans at the same time. Still somewhat tied down to the bad smell that is ‘nu metal’, Papa Roach are eager to prove that they aren’t old dogs who can’t learn new tricks with their ninth full-length album ‘Crooked Teeth’.
If you’re a fan of the band’s earlier work that was nose deep nu-metal then you’ll enjoy the direction that they’ve taken on ‘Crooked Teeth’. The title track has an old school feel that combines that nostalgic, aggressive, rap-meets-rock style with a heavy beat, which even steps into a slight metalcore direction thanks to a huge breakdown.
Just like all of the band’s best tracks from the past, when vocalist Jacoby Shaddix reflects on his inner demons he sounds most himself and most visceral. ‘My Medication’ and single ‘Help’ would have sat comfortably on Lovehatetragedy. These are the only times where he really shines, with both his vocal technique and a pair of killer choruses that do their reputation proud. Not to mention the importance of opening up about the likes of addiction and mental health.
Unfortunately the rest of the album is a different story. Lyrically this is the poorest Shaddix has ever been and that’s really saying something. He regularly talks about being marginalised but never elaborates on it and they don’t ease you into their regurgitated style either, as opener ‘Break The Fall’ meshes cringe-worthy rapping and a tired riff with a forgettable chorus.
The reggae tinged ‘Born For Greatness’ is just as vomit-inducing. As commendable as it is to take a new route musically, trying sound like Imagine Dragons was never going to work out, although the chorus and riff are an aggressive combo that somewhat wins you over by the end. ‘American Dreams’ is boring and unmemorable AOR fodder and ‘Sunrise Trailer Park’, with guest vocals from Machine Gun Kelly, at the very least contains a bit of passion from Shaddix, whilst Kelly puts on a substandard performance, shunning ‘Crooked Teeth’ the chance of getting any kind of outside appeal. Elsewhere, there’s an appearance from Skylar Grey on ‘Periscope’ as Papa Roach pull all the strings to get some attention outside of their core fan base. After such collaborative and directionless tracks though, they’ll probably regret it straight after.
If Papa Roach have succeeded with one thing, it’s reminding us that they are always trying to latch onto a trend and they still can’t make it sound genuine. When Shinedown were getting big, Papa Roach started releasing metal ballads. When Skrillex was changing the game, Papa Roach were suddenly electronic lovers. ‘Crooked Teeth’ is no different as they’ve suddenly decided that they’re Kendrick Lamar meets OneRepublic.
To some, Papa Roach will sound like America’s greatest bandwagon jumpers and to others it might feel like a genuine reinvention of the band. All in all, ‘Crooked Teeth’ is gritty, full of singalong moments and adds to the band’s consistent discography nicely but it isn’t Papa Roach’s ‘nu’ beginning… it’s their last resort.
LOUIS KERRY