Posted: July 26th, 2008
Contributed By: Nick
 |
Purchase @ Amazon.com Release Date: August 5th, 2008 via Eleven Seven |
| Trapt is: Chris Brown (vocals) Robb Torres (guitar) Peter Charell (bass) Aaron Montgomery (drums) |
Overview: What do you get when your major label debut goes platinum? Why the opportunity to record a second album, that’s what. Armed with the shiny, framed version of ‘Man Mows Lawn‘, excuse me, their eponymous debut, Trapt was studio bound again. Enter summer 2005, when Trapt’s new single “Stand Up” hit the airwaves, the first single from Warner Bros. album numero dos, entitled ‘Someone in Control‘. Its September 05 release date came and went unceremoniously, and despite the chart success of “Stand Up” and a heralded fall headlining tour, Trapt found themselves “disconnected” from their duties with Warner Bros. Records. So what does a band do now? Why they put out a live album, that’s what. And so Trapt recorded a set, added a couple of hot, brand new cuts for good measure, and won over Eleven Seven Records, who released the aptly titled ‘Trapt Live!‘ in September 2007. So what does Trapt do for an encore? Why they track an entire new record, that’s what. The band played tease for much of 2008, leaking bits and pieces of the album onto the interweb to get ‘em all salivating in anticipation. But the time has come to unveil the latest Trapt concoction, a brew they call ‘Only Through the Pain‘. Listen for first single “Who’s Going Home With You Tonight” on rock radio and catch the band on this summer’s Cruefest (but make sure your Hepatitis C vaccinations are up to date beforehand, of course).
The Good: I’m not sure why this collection of songs is called ‘Only Through the Pain‘, because listening to this record is about as painful as sipping a beer on a Caribbean Island while getting a lapdance from Jessica Alba. Ok, maybe it’s not that satiating, but Trapt are able to do much more than just satisfy your palate. The sizzling “Wasteland” is only the start, a wham!-bam!-thank you, ma’am! type of welcome that utilizes nimble dynamics and a tongue-in-cheek script to put Trapt right back in the ring. “Who’s Going Home With You Tonight” is fluttering and celestial, yet riffy enough at times to make the ground move; this anthem for a hopeless romantic is a perfect tune for an overcast day (but don’t ask me why). Speaking of move, Trapt timewarps back to 2002 and its debut record with “Contagious”. A big, chunky chorus balanced upon porcelain verses, “Contagious” emanates nostalgia without sounding antiquated. Surging and peppy, “Cover Up” is drenched in ethereal textures that, along with incisive lyrics, swarm you from all angles. “Only One In Color” is about as moonstruck and lovey-dovey as you will ever hear, but Trapt roll through the song with enough sincere emotion that it sounds far from pussy-whipped.
Hey look, I sectioned off this section for once! And I feel it necessary to do so because this round of songs from ‘Only Through the Pain‘ get batshit crazy. Not lunatic, boisterous, crazy, but instead an “oh my god, I can’t believe they just did that” sort of thing. So as the petals of “Black Rose” take shape, so does a hint of O.A.R. in the verses, sans all their usual “dude brah” hogwash. Its bridge/post-bridge are crafty, imbued by one infectious round of guitar picking. Fans of Verve Pipe’s hit “The Freshman” will rejoice for the opening of “Ready When You Are”, whose humble cross-sticking and sparkling Top 40 chorus make it worthwhile. “Ready When You Are” is also the first from a pair of songs Trapt uses to pay homage to Incubus, as it is built like Incubus’ “Stellar”, a.k.a.-built to last. “Forget About the Rain” is the second of the duo, with the ‘Morning View‘ jam “Are You In?” the rewarding culprit this time. Move over Lips Inc., because Trapt take you down to funky town with “Forget About the Rain”, an organic, bootylicious pleasant surprise. The jazzy, groove-laden bridge is money, and you might be like myself after you hear it a few times, wondering, ‘is this really Trapt?…damn’. The jam band insinuations that were peppered into “Black Rose” are ready to hatch, and Trapt decides upon the breezy, zealous “Wherever She Goes” as the right place and time. For those chomping at the bit, waiting for something new (and for that matter, worthwhile) from Dave Matthews Band, give “Wherever She Goes” a spin, as it just might provide enough antidote to get you through DMB’s latest incubation period. The king of ‘Only Through the Pain‘ is crowned “Curiosity Kills”, where gritty, pulsating verses and windswept choruses are only secondary. The first time the song’s second verse began, my eyes sprung open as I declared “SNOT!” with glee. One of my absolute favorite bands of all-time, the fresh, funky core of Snot is replicated beautifully by Trapt, who do so effortlessly and without trying to “be a hero” per se. Curiosity might kill the cat, but Lynn Strait’s pooch Dobbs would give slobbery kisses to any bystander after hearing this one. ‘Only Through the Pain‘ is Trapt, but Trapt is the least bit trapped in any trend.
The Bad: “The Last Tear”. The final song of ‘Only Through the Pain‘ just doesn’t go anywhere or do anything to titillate, despite its obvious good intentions. With so much eclectic energy and diversification here, why would anyone want to drowsily wade through the despondent, syrupy “The Last Tear”? To close out such a fine hour with a taste so sour is almost criminal, but with ten other tracks to make up for it, one stick in the mud isn’t enough to spoil this party. The only other flaw with ‘Only Through the Pain‘ is the lack of a real, standout song I would consider a single. “Who’s Going Home With You Tonight” is a solid tune, but there’s not enough oomph to propel it up the charts. “Ready When You Are” has a sun-kissed chorus that could make some noise, but with a million and one other “Hollister-rock” bands waiting for their fifteen seconds of post-show, credit-rolling MTV glory with an even more glossed up, “like OMG” sound, it makes contention extremely tough, and ultimately unachievable.
Bottomline: Before I had the chance to really sit down with ‘Only Through the Pain‘, I was ignorant in saying that Trapt could keep releasing their first record over and over again and calling it something new, as that seems like their pattern. May I be subjected to a hell with a Miley Cyrus soundtrack, because Trapt throw out all the rules and write some of their own with ‘Only Through the Pain‘, one of the most savory, wholesome rock albums to hit in quite awhile. Besides, any band that rehashes Snot without pissing me off deserves high accolades, and that’s just what I’m giving ‘Only Through the Pain‘.
Rating: 9 out of 10
I didnt get the O.A.R. reference, but Nick you have really stepped it up. I am really starting to enjoy your reviews. I think the reason most people dont try to write reviews for TuneLab anymore is because you have the “Overview: The Good: The Bad: Bottomline:” format perfected and if another person tries to write one the readers will be like “what the fuck is this?”
Good job.
Oh but I do disagree with the Rating its more like a 7.5 or 8 around that neighborhood.
That is exactly why I don’t do reviews anymore. How the hell can I top Nick? I could kill him so then you’d all have to settle for my reviews, but then I might go to jail and that’s not very good.
Are you sure it’s a 9? I think it’s more like an 8.
Nick is a good reviewer and I like it to keep it that way. Warner Bros. seems to be pushing bands over the edge or something which makes sense for Trapt to leave them and move on to Eleven Seven Music which has Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue and Sixx:A.M. being named as president. That should be a good tactic going to keep a roster like Buckcherry, Drowning Pool, Everclear, The Exies, and Trapt in the fold.
I wanted somebody who is a musician to be president running a music label like Eleven Seven Music which is agreeable. EMI is in a scrap heap as the Rolling Stones signed with Vivendi for a recording deal. It’s such a mess with EMI anyway.
Warner Bros. might be in the same situation right here, right now? The music scene has definitely changed for me.
this cd is ok but too slow, some songs rock, some are weak
the first 2 trapt cds I could listen without skipping trax, this one I could live without half the tracks
I didn’t like ‘Someone In Control’. Too much sameness like their S/T debut which I figured would be disappointing. I don’t skip too many tracks on their S/T debut. That IS their best record to date.
With the new record coming out, tracks like “Who’s Going Home With You Tonight?” and “Contagious” sound good to me.
Decent album, about what you expect from Trapt, which is just a solid record. Agree with commenters so far, 7.5-8/10.
No, it’s more like a 10
CD is more like a 6
If there are ballads involved from what I take it on reading on and on here, I’ll take those, too, for a rating of 8, please. No arguments there.
A 6 rating is considered to be too low for me.
Look, I like the band, Trapt, to go back when things were cool since their S/T debut was out!!!
ARGHH!
Yeah, Someone In Control just didn’t do it for me. There are a few hits, but a lot of misses, and doesn’t even compare to their debut. I was really shocked after hearing their S/T album; it was so good it pretty much put me under the illusion that anything else Trapt put out would be masterful. Only that didn’t happen…
So, if they were to rectify anything with fans, this would be the album to do it and I’m hoping this does, although the reactions seem kind of split…ARGH indeed
Chris (the vocalist) messaged me on myspace and told me he read the interview Nick, thought you’d like to know
I’d give this a 10. You guys should be a shamed of yourself. This album beats the new Breaking Benjamin by far.
Another example of Shadowking’s clear lack of musical taste.
“new” Breaking Benjamin was released in 2006, why are you bringing it up?
The new Breaking Benjamin record is out on September 30th. Shadowking, you are one weird cookie.
Yay! Chris Brown, who’s frontman of Trapt, read the interview. I wonder if he approves or disapproves reading this review?
Now, somebody please bring a waterbucket and wake Shadowking up. I have to agree with what Jason has said. Where’s the musical taste?
I can’t wait for this to come out.
Somebody, kick the jams out, cause I love this band and can’t wait for this release to come out!!!
thanks very, very much for the compliments on the review
also and i forgot to add, if at first the album doesn’t strike you, give it another twirl and it will for sure.
I gave it a 7.5, very close to an 8. Solid album, but I still prefer their self-titled.
Someone in Control is was of my albums of all time and it’s gonna be hard to match that for me I’m sure. Simon just brought this sound that I loved. I actually thought SIC was heavier and faster then self titled. I think I’m in the minority though. I have high hopes though.
“Black Rose” shows an amazing amount of potential; the pre-chorus is great.
Anyway, this album is a big departure for them. It’s kind of hard to believe Trapt could become MORE radio friendly, but damn.
It’s a guilty pleasure.
Yeah, I’m dissapointed.
Someone In Control 10/10
Trapt 9/10
Only Through The Pain… 7.5/10
After one listen my favorites are “Wasteland”, “WGHWYT”, and “Contagious”
I might listen to the whole thing at some point…. but after listening to “Who’s going home with you tonight” it just sounds like same ol’ Trapt, only having taken a turn for the generic. I really liked their debut, the second one I liked long enough to give it a glowing review but then quickly found myself getting bored with it.
“soon the sky will clear
and dry up all your tears
the sun will come and shine on you again
pain will disappear
so will all your fears
and the storm you been hiding from will end”
for some reason i hate that part in the song….i hate how he sings it and i hate the lyrics on that part….bout the only part i hate of the album.
I LOVE THIS ALBUM AND CONGRATS TO TRAPT FOR DEBUTING AT NO. 18! I REALLY HOPE THEY COME BACK TO KNOXVILLE, TN THEY PUT ON AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE.