Chris
Brown - vocals and guitar
Peter Charell – bass
Aaron Montgomery – drums
Robb Torres - lead guitar
After
a successful debut self-titled album with “Headstrong,” “Still Frame” and a fan favorite “Echo”
Trapt headed back into the studios to record their second effort with Warner Bros Records. A huge success followed with their
first single off the album “Stand Up” as it hit #3 on the charts, but the rest of the album fizzled out on the
airwaves. Despite that tours with Nickelback, Chevelle, and Three Days Grace not to mention a stint with Shinedown (which
is where I seen them). Next came a split from WBR due to lack of sales of Someone
in Control. So without a label what can a platinum selling band do, how about a put together a live and add a few new
tracks. In doing so they won over Nikki Sixx's label Eleven Seven and were signed to a deal. Over the time since the Live
album until the release of their third studio album, they have been leaking this and that to fans over the net. Sadly, Trapt
lost their lead guitarist in March of ’08, but was replace by Robb Torres. With a new label and lead guitarist in place
Trapt releases Only Through the Pain. The album begins with “Wasteland.”
It’s a track that features a pretty good set of guitars, steady guitars and the same great Brown voice. It’s a
nice way to begin the album as it is a likeable track and radio ready. Lead single “Who’s Going Home...”
spins off second. The single does what most lead singles do, getting the listener wanting more. It offers up some very timely
added backing vocals, perfectly placed riffs that keep the track moving and vocals that as easy to follow and go along with.
“Contagious” is an edgy rock track from the start. It begins with a nice set of guitars that quickly move into
drums and vocals then brings everything together with a kick ass chorus. It will send you back to the good old days. “Black
Rose” begins with guitar picking then adds in a funky bet with the other instruments for a bit then flips the switch
during the choruses of the track and the latter stages of the song. “Ready
When You Are” is a slower track with less intensity than most of Trapt’s tracks to date. Although with that said
and the fact that many fans may have to take a listen or ten before grasping the emotions in the track, it track will turn
into a song that will make the band stick for a long time. I can easily see this as the next single. “Forget About the
Pain” busts open the track with a jazzy sound that I don’t think fits with them period but specially not on the
album. “Cover Up” starts the second part of the album with a heavy bass and an explosion of sound. A dark sounding
to the track it sparks your interest and should be a nice addition to a live set. “Whenever She Goes” is a catchy
track that must be paid attention to. Although it is a slower track it’s the lyrics that stopped me in my tracks and
made me read them. “Curiosity Kills” is Trapt of old. It has a nice rocky feel to it
with cool like riffs sprinkled throughout the track and it has a sound that will catch on as I found my head movin’
just a bit. “The Last Tear” ends the album with a serious note, but an odd one. It doesn’t seem to fit the
trend of the album yet it is a good track on its own. The multiple vocals on the song adds a bit of spice that needs to be
added into more of tracks next time. Overall this is a good third effort. It does seem a bit watered down to get back into
the platinum groove, but it is still a fine album that anyone could be proud of. I don’t think that it is in the running
for album of the year, but I can see a top 50 album for it.
Rating: 8 out of 10
My favorite tracks:
Wasteland,
Who’s Going Home.., Cover Up
Track List:
1.
Wasteland
2.
Who’s Going Home With You Tonight?
3.
Contagious
4.
Black Rose
5.
Ready When You Are
6.
Forget About The Pain
7.
Cover Up
8.
Only One In Color
9.
Wherever She Goes
10. Curiosity Kills
11. The Last Tear
Website (s): www.trapt.com, www.onlythroughthepain.com
