The early
2000s was a strange time for music. Nu-metal had become the newest craze and
the metal world had undertaken a massive transformation. Swapping guitar solos
for music sampling and generally becoming one of the most hated musical genres
of all time.
While most
nu-metal bands around this time were busy trying to capitalize on the genre’s
new-found success, Linkin Park – who whether they intended to or not, did
indeed start out as a nu-metal band, make no mistake - released their debut
album, Hybrid Theory. Combining angst-riddled
lyrics and intoxicating anthems, it went on to sell 24 million copies worldwide
and is largely considered as one of the first great American rock albums of the
00s.
It’s fair to
say that Linkin Park have become a much different band since then. As
nu-metal’s short-lived reign at the top of the metal world began to decline,
there came a difficult transition for a lot of bands who were forced to either
change their style or risk diminishing. Linkin park had to evolve in order to
survive and they did. For the most part, their evolution has favoured well (Minutes to Midnight), while other times
it hasn’t completely won over fans (A
Thousand Suns).
The band’s fifth
studio album, Living Things is another
step in their evolution. Swapping angsty lyrics for a more grown up take on the
world, they tackle all kinds of different subjects lyrically - from faith to
relationships and politics.
Lost in the Echo is the album’s opener.
It brings back the rap of LP old to deliver a dance-style track with an
infectious riff and chorus while the first single, Burn It Down hones the band’s signature sound. It’s an anthemic and dark song while Lies Greed Misery and Until It Breaks are gritty tracks.
Combining rap with tearing screams they both make for very noisy songs.
The
two-minute Victimized starts in all
out upheaval. Chaotic and edgy, it feels a lot like old LP, with front man
Chester Bennington tearing out screams deep from within. But is a slight disappointment considering
its shortness and that it’s over before you’ve realised. It somewhat redeems
itself when it unravels to bare a softer side. It’s more of an interlude as it
leads effortlessly into the brilliant Roads
Untraveled, which is a ballad-style poignant song, bearing some of the more
personal lyrics, ‘the love that you lost,
wasn’t worth the cost and in time you’ll be glad that it’s gone.’
It’s not
just LP’s lyrics that are more grown up; the music is more mature as well. The
thought-provoking Castle of Glass shows
this. With an upbeat yet laid-back tone to it, it’s one of the better tracks
within the album. Containing a haunting riff and catchy hooks, while In My Remains is proof that LP still
know how to create great rock songs.
Skin to Bone is another short yet
important track. Blending Chester Bennington’s always brilliant vocals with
Mike Shinoda’s, it’s a lingering and catchy song while Powerless is another ballad-style song. Lyrics, ’10,000 promises, 10,000 ways to lose’,
accompanying the great musicianship to help build up to an almighty ending to
the album.
It remains
to be seen whether, Living Things will be another enjoyed leap forward for fans.
And while it’s not a perfect album, it certainly has its moments here and
there. Living Things is a great mix of electro infused and experimental tracks,
meanwhile LP are careful not to abandon their rock roots. It’s clear to see
that they’re not afraid to explore untapped territories; such is their
developing musical diversity. Regardless, there will still be a lot of fans who
believe that Linkin Park’s best days lay with Hybrid Theory. But that’s ok. Their fan base will always be
present. And hey - you can’t please everyone.
* * *
- Amy Parker
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