If you even casually listen to mainstream rock stations, you’ve likely heard of Trapt. In the early 2000s, their hit song “Headstrong” dominated the airwaves. It became a Nu-metal anthem for a generation. Fast-forward to 2020 and we find the state of music in a very different place. So, when you’re a band like Trapt, who reached the height of their popularity over a decade ago, how do you generate interest in your forthcoming album? Well, singer Chris Taylor Brown decided to use social media. However, instead of going the traditional route and making connections with fans, sharing snippets of songs, or behind the scenes footage, he decided to get his name, and the name of his band back into the headlines by stirring up controversy. In addition to sharing his polarizing political views and engaging in arguments with fans, Brown has recently taken aim at Sumerian records and taken verbal jabs at the likes of rapper Ice T and legendary hardcore frontman Danny Diablo. Despite which side of the fence you reside on in these feuds, one thing is for certain. The entire rock community is now eagerly waiting in suspense to hear what Brown and the boys have to offer. Well, the new album, Shadow Work is due to be released on July 3rd and I recently got the chance to listen to it. Here are my thoughts:

The album opens up with the lead single “Make It Out Alive.” The tracks sees the band largely sticking to the formula that they’re known for. This song is sure to be a hit with mainstream rock fans with its perfectly crafted acoustic verses followed by the big powerful chorus. The next track “I Want to Want What I Want” is as catchy as anything the band have written in their career. Layered atop subtle electronic elements, this song takes a slightly more pop approach but still packs a punch during the chorus. 

From here, the band takes a bit of a sharp turn with the song “Tell Me How You Really Feel.” This song, starting off with seventies disco elements, is reminiscent of U2 with Michael Jackson inspired vocals. The song, overall, is successful despite the fact that it strays a good bit away from what the band are known for. It definitely shows that Trapt are not afraid to takes risks so far into their career. The next song “Too Little Too Late” is a ballad tailor made for modern rock radio. It could easily be sandwiched in between Breaking Benjamin and Nickelback on your local radio station which is a true testament to the band’s song writing ability. 

The band stick to this formula for most of the album making a very consistent effort that’s sure to appeal to their fan base even though it is not the most unique selection of songs. However, that’s not to say that album is not without several standout moments. The track “Trying Too Hard,” for example, is a song that packs a lot of the punch that the band has been known for. The down tuned guitar riffs and the big, catchy chorus are sure to put a smile on the faces of long term fans. The track “Too Far Away” is another song with impeccable lyric writing. It’s sure to resonate with anyone who’s lived through a difficult relationship. The vulnerability and desperation really come through in this song giving it a really genuine vibe.

The album closes with the song “Hold and Be Held.” This song, in particular, is definitely one of the highlights of the album. The album has an underlying blues vibe that really comes through in Brown’s vocals. While this song could easily get lost in the sea of rock ballads on this album, this one stands apart. It’s some of the catchiest lyrics in the band’s discography and is easily the best vocal performance on the album. 

Overall, the band have put together a solid collection of rock tunes that will definitely please their fan base and is sure to generate some buzz on mainstream rock stations. The album, while lacking some of the heaviness of some of the band’s previous efforts, will not likely do much to gain a new audience for the band, but certainly does nothing to tarnish their reputation. The album fits perfectly into their ever growing discography and, let’s be honest, Trapt, as Brown has frequently pointed out, have over 1.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify and have a hit single with over 203 million plays. I think it’s safe to say that they don’t need to prove anything to anyone.

I’m Music Magazine Contributing Writer Jason Jarvis