Minnesota State University Reporter

Issue date: 9/30/08 Section: Music

Taproot is a Michigan-based rock quartet founded by Fred Durst.

It happened with Panic at the Disco. Pete Wentz dug them up, but his own crew Fall Out Boy sold out, right? There's no way Panic could be that good if a genitalia-flashing emo-boy touted them.

The same could be said about the Fred Durst-founded Taproot, a Michigan-based rock quartet that enjoyed moderate success with memorable singles backed by unrestrictive percussion and the dichotomous vocal power of singer Stephen Richards. It turns out Durst was correct. With its sixth studio album, "Our Long Road Home," Taproot needs no further introduction.

Things have changed for the rockers since their halfway-to-killer "Blue-Sky Research" was released in 2005. Atlantic Records is out and independent management firm Velvet Hammer is in after the band expressed concerns with the former's "budget cuts and political shifts." Velvet Hammer boasts a fit line of heavy-hitters with System of a Down, Deftones and Cypress Hill in an already tanking major-label industry.

To add to that, longtime drummer Jarrod Montague has been replaced by another close friend of the band, Nick Fredell. Reasons haven't been given for his departure, but they maintain relations are positive.

Since its been on bills that include the Family Values Tour in 1999 and Music as a Weapon with Disturbed, Taproot decided to move its lives closer to its Ann Arbor families for the new disc - a barn-turned-studio, actually.

No matter the new digs. Taproot maintains its edge and explodes with "Path Less Taken," a growingly-familiar nudge toward politics which has Richards questioning, "Why not believe in making change/Why not perceive through open blinds/Why not be free to go and play?"

"As One" takes on trickling guitars and standard Taproot lead-ins before its hooky chorus floods the backdrop. Even "Footprints" adopts the fervor of past favorites "Birthday" and "Calling," analyzing the woes of distant love with minor solos at the bridge and smooth guitars to complement the mid-track fortes.

Taproot doesn't forget about its origins, though. "Take It" is as raw as another past favorite, "Mine."

As far as Fredell making a good addition? It's tough to say. Montague served as drummer and backup vocalist - many times simultaneously - with such wild force (remember "Facepeeler?") that it's difficult to want him gone. However, Chevelle tried the same experiment with "Vena Sera" and it was a phenomenal album.

"Our Long Road Home" is indeed a more homey effort by the Durst protegés. Are they more rounded? You bet. Mature? Sure. But more importantly, they haven't lost their enduring lust for melody.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars



Drew Nelson is a Reporter staff writer

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