Papa Roach - Lifeline
by Peter Allison
published: 13 / 8 / 2009

Label:
Polydor
Format: 7"
intro
Capable and surprisingly upbeat latest single from Californian nu-metal act, Papa Roach
Papa Roach came to the fore at the height of the nu-metal scene in 1999 with 'Last Resort', and despite their subsequent album 'Infest' being repetitive; they are one of the few nu-metal bands still in existence today. Their latest single release, 'Life Line', however, seems to indicate a change in direction. This is not so much of genre, but in disposition. Previous tracks have always held negative themes and connotations, but 'Life Line' has a more positive message, and one that is distinctly welcome. Opening with an almost clichéd instrumental, the track is saved from being dismissed as a pop-friendly metal song, due to how good it is. Like Nickleback, Papa Roach have not attempted to develop a new sound, but focus instead on creating exceptional music. While the chorus borders on sentimentality, Jacoby Saddix is such a great vocalist that this can be forgiven. Likewise Jerry Horton, Tobin Esperance, and Toby Palermo are sufficiently capable musicians that they elevate this song from what could have been trite to being really rather good. 'Life Line' will not revolutionise the metal genre, however it is a surprisingly good track, which holds significant promise for their forthcoming album.
Track Listing:-
1 Lifeline2 Getting Away With Murder (Live In Chicago)
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Liz Mitchell - Interview
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Lauren Mayberry - Photoscapes
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
Garfunkel and Garfunkel Jr. - Interview
Maarten Schiethart - Vinyl Stories
Clive Langer - Interview
Sukie Smith - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the JumboNigel Stonier - Wolf Notes
Wings - Venus and Mars
Kate Daisy Grant and Nick Pynn - Songs For The Trees
Only Child - Holy Ghosts
Neil Campbell - The Turnaround
Philip Jeays - Victoria
Darkness - Dreams On Toast
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Charles Ellsworth - Cosmic Cannon Fodder
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart