Trapt
Real life or the Rock 'n' Roll world? Hundreds of kids across America face that decision every year. High school graduation arrives and the band is going good. The songs are coming and the gigs are getting better. Just stay the course a little bit longer (like three to five years) and who knows? Platinium records and mega tours. But wait. Parents, grandparents, teachers and even total strangers are saying forget the group, go to college and get an education. Get an education? What have the last twelve years been all about?
The Los Gatos, CA trio of vocalist/guitarist Chris Brown, lead guitarist Simon Ormandy and bassist Peter Charell tried to go to college and be in a group, even though they were going to different schools nearly one-hundred miles apart. Though the group managed to record and get a label interested (the deal eventually fell apart), they finally had to bite the bullet. All three quit school and moved to L.A. Another record deal came and went due to creative differences.
With Seattle native, Aaron Montgomery, on drums Trapt played an L.A. showcase and got signed by Warner Bros. Soon they were recording in Vancouver with producer Garth Richardson. Trapt's self-titled full-length debut hit in '03 with the edgy yet melodic "Headstrong" leading the way. Two years later, Trapt returned to the studio, this time with producer Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Pearl Jam) - success brings access to heavyweight talent.
As "Headstrong" the first single from the debut album demonstrates, Trapt can kick but the group has more texture and variety than most thrashers. "Made Of Glass" features a catchy syncopated rhythm while "Hollowman" rides cadenced vocals. Even the airy and listener friendly "These Walls" packs a punch.
"Someone In Control" provides the expected harsh blasts, angry vocals ("face to face push you in your place" from "Stand Up") and an unforgiving heaviness. But the album takes a lighter, faster turn on songs "Lost Realist" and "Influence." Interestingly, because this doesn't happen too often, the album ends strong with a pair of killer tracks "Use Me To Use You" and "Product Of My Own Design."