Always in Transition

EMI

Rs 355

Rating: ****

Lets imagine for a moment that Linkin Park is not a band,but a single entity. Better yet,think of them as a high-school teenager. Where do you think hell fit in? Certainly not with the sports jocks,nor with the emo crowd; neither with the arts and theatre people,nor with the nerds and geeks. This teenager will always be that leather jacket-wearing,poem-writing,politically charged person,who will be liked by some and likely be frowned upon by others but will always be in transition.

Linkin Parks fifth studio album Living Things runs much on the same lines. With a strong 12-track list,the album presents interesting options for the musical palette. With only a slight detour from their nu-mental,slightly emo phase,Linkin Park seems to have decided to stay true to their core fan-base by giving them what they like the most: punk rock.

The album begins with Lost in the echo,a number which is pretty much made-to-order for the hardcore Linkin Park fan,reminding us of their earlier hit,In the end. The hit single Burn it down is our favourite track,not only because of its anti-war sentiment,but also because of its mind-blowing use of the synth. A clear contender for a sports flick soundtrack,this track is one of the highlights of the album. The next number Lies greed misery is clearly influenced by their old hip-hop/rap love. A bold,sweet-and-sour number,it will definitely make you jump and sing along with lyrics that go I wanna see you choke on your lies/ Swallow up your greed/ Suffer all alone in your misery.

The next number Ill be gone is a straightforward track reminiscent of the 90s rap-rock,which acts as a grim ode to alienation and loneliness. Castle of glass is an interesting ballad-like number with compelling lyrics and metaphors like,Cause Im only a crack in this castle of glass/ Hardly anything there for you to see.

While Victimized is a short,upbeat number with strong bass and bold drums accompanied by a screeching chorus,Road untraveled is a strong piano ballad. One of our favourites in the album,the song works around haunting tingling sounds with catchy Whoa-oh choruses. Skin to bone returns to Linkin Parks familiar electronic tropes,but the whacky percussions give it a rather fresh feel.

In Until it breaks,Mike Shinoda works his rhythm guitar magic that work in harmony with lyrics that go,Its a pretty smart weapon,I can shoot it,I can drop it/ But learn to respect it cause you clearly cant stop it. The last track Powerless,which also features in the end credits of the movie Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter,is a smooth,powerful track with Chester Benningtons vocals sounding perfectly serene alongside the synthesizer whispers before Brad Delsons guitar goes for the kill.

With all the tracks under four minutes,Living Things makes for a peppy,yet thoughtful listen. Perfect for a party or a rainy day,Living things and Linkin Park can keep you company on any occasion.