Review Summary: A fine Gift for the dying genre of nu-metal
Taproot is one of those bands you either love or hate (I am a self-admitted fan). This is partially due to Steven’s vocals which have a Layne Staley quality to it, some will find his voice rather too shaky or nasally while some people like myself find his voice unique and well honed. The lyrics (which 90% of all their songs revolve around heartbreak, or some bitch somewhere) might either draw you in or push you away. Taproot will appeal to a small number of you that’s to be sure, and if you need to find a good place to start “Gift” is the perfect place to start.
Now lets’ start this review “officially” with a history lesson. Taproot started out in the nu-metal scene in Michigan and recorded (to my knowledge) 2 independent albums under the names of “...Something More then Nothing” and “Upon Us” the band focused heavily on melody while still retaining plenty of rapping for nu-metal heads at the time (this was the 90’s afterall). Fellow nu-metal musicians System of a Down helped the group secure a record deal with Atlantic, and thus “Gift” came into existence.
Now all the nu-metal elements are there rapping, screaming, teen-angst filled lyrics, everything you could want in a nu-metal album however there is a certain alternative quality always present. However as much as I like his voice, Stevens can NOT rap! His voice as you can tell by my description his voice does not suit well here, it just sounds strange and awkward, but he keeps rapping to a bare minimal. The album opens up with “Smile” which might be one of the heaviest songs on the album, with Steven’s heavy screech-like scream throughout. “Again & Again” comes next and is one of my personal favorites on the album, the chorus is insanely catchy and well sung. “1 Nite Stand” opens up with a very interesting bass line, but it never really seems to go anywhere and almost seems devoid of a chorus. “Believed” would be a great song if Stevens would just ditch his terrible rapping scheme that he tries to interject after the well done chorus, it’s so full of up and downs. If your 12-15 then I would recommend “I” to you, it’s quite possibly the perfect nu-metal song to put it simply. “Dragged Down” basically sounds like a Korn song with Stevens singing. “Comeback” is another standout song (if you can look past the awful & overly-immature lyrics), Stevens really sings at his best here and the instrumentals hit hard and fast.
“Gift” is the Taproot’s only “true” nu-metal album, and everything about this screams nu-metal (for better or worse). Stevens and his troop manage to sound energetic, catchy, and explosive at their best, and awkward, immature, and confused at their worst. Taproot seemed to be caught up in the times, and it might’ve helped them in one area, and hurt them in another. None the less“Gift” is definitely worth a listen (despite a few hiccups) if you’re a fan of alt. metal or nu metal, or just wanting to know what the hub-bub is with this band.
Reccomended Songs-
Smile
Again & Again
I
Comeback
Songs to Skip-
Beleived
Dragged Down (except for the bass outro)
