Trapt’s new live album is a decent album to own because of its mixed music typifying a greatest hits album.
However, the band’s attempt to debut two brand new songs (“Stay Alive” and “Everything to Lose”) on a live album was unnecessary because the two songs were distinct enough to be heard and recognized on the radio. Without these songs, the band created a premature greatest hits album, comprising of nine older songs and only three I have ever heard of on the radio.
Although it usually takes a few listens of a song before it is enjoyed, I enjoyed the new songs right away.The interesting musical introductions set up the depth of these songs, while also adding anticipation to the climaxes.
“Stay Alive” features Chris Brown’s (vocals and guitar) sincere vocals and lyrics that creates feelings of survival. “Everything to Lose” creates confusion of our own emotion through Aaron “Monty” Montgomery’s drum solos and Brown’s climatic voice. Though the new songs were not performed live on their live album, the following songs were performed live to a Minneapolis audience.
The first few songs’ vocals, which were live, sounds depleted of energy and breath but lifts soon, feeding off the audience’s excitement of hearing familiar songs. Most of the songs’ introductions leave them distinct from mainstream music. However, there are some songs that blend into the stream with their unchanging rhythms and typical drum sign-offs.
Songs such as “Stay Alive” and “Made of Glass” end with these drum sign-offs, but perhaps it is a tradition. Nonetheless, the sign-offs last only a second, not enough to ruin the songs.
“Hallowman” and “Skin Deep” are not musically distinct from other music, but each contributes some other talent. Lyrically, “Hallowman” deserves some mention. According to Brown, the song is about the passionless floaters of this world. However, “I don’t want to be like you,” suggests that Brown is denying some parent’s characteristics. Besides thoughtful lyrics, “Skin Deep” is notable for the vocals of Brown. When he is not out of breath, Brown can rip it out with a pleasing sound.
And, of course, “Please help me ’cause I’m breaking down” (“Stillframe”) can be heard on this album along with “Stand Up” and “Headstrong,” which are songs often heard belting out of radios tuned into 106.1 the KRAB. According to Brown, “Headstrong” is the best song to be related to the band’s attitude. It is also the song that broke them free of the limits of expression, leaving people’s heads disconnected after ‘banging’ their heads to the beat of it.
Also featured on the album are “Echo,” “Disconnected,” and “Waiting.” All of the above- mentioned songs contribute to the pleasantness of the album.
However, I am still in awe that this album’s purpose was to debut two new songs. Why is it that these songs are not playing on the radio?
Perhaps, they are playing on the radio and I am just missing them. Or perhaps, corporate radio heads believe that Trapt is a one-hit wonder band and refuses to play any new songs. Well, I think otherwise. As long as they can keep creating, I will keep listening.