“Suspended†is the first track on “Second Warâ€, and it showcases a type of rock that skillfully and deftly brings together hard rock, industrial, and even a little bit of New Wave music into something that is slinky and will ultimately be on listeners minds for long after the disc packs it in. That means that there are hints of Nine Inch Nails, Tool, Stabbing Westward, and even minor amounts of Korn in the compositions that come forth during “Second Warâ€.
Triptaka is not merely a band that rides on the coattails of other acts that they have admired, though: the energy that begins “Second War†is simply second to none. Ensuring that they will not be a one hit wonder, Triptaka continues to blast listeners out of the water with their follow-up track to “Suspendedâ€, “Lost & Leadingâ€. “Lost & Leading†showcases not the fury of the act, but rather their instrumental adeptness. The creation of an atmosphere similar to that in either Trent Reznor’s soundtrack for Quake or Marilyn Manson’s “Mechanical Animals†during the beginning of the track is something that showcases and frames the later vocals perfectly. The band boldly forges out on their own unique path with the titular track to “Second Warâ€. The fury in which the track is couched is outwardly similar to that of “The Perfect Drugâ€, but there is a roughness, an intensity present that gives listeners more than enough fire to last through the rest of “Second Warâ€.
Little more than a set of drums is needed to weave a compelling instrumentation for listeners during “Tamedâ€; the slinky vocals the come forth push the track to the next level and ensure that Triptaka does not become stagnant in any way. This shifting, scintillating sound continues with the piano-lead “Motherâ€: while other elements come into sight as the tracks rolls on, the piano will resonate loudly with anyone luck enough to listen in. “Slowburn†is another track that could easily make it onto any modern rock station: the bombastic nature of Triptaka’s vocals, coupled with the pointed instrumental arrangements that are commonplace during the track. With each of “Second Warâ€â€™s tracks being ultimately single-worthy, it behooves listeners to find a live date and see how well the power of Triptaka translates into the live setting. I have no doubt they kiss as much ass and take as many names at their live shows as they did through the nine cuts on “Second Warâ€.
Top Tracks: Slowburn, Tamed
Rating: 9.4/10
Triptaka – Second War / 2007 Self / 9 Tracks / http://www.triptaka.com /