Gift
Giftis an acerbic and uncompromising tour de force that never once allows directionless bombast to triumph over stylistic artistry. That said, Taproot are certainly no slouches when it comes to bludgeoning. The band'sSmashing Pumpkins-like wall-of-guitar soundscapes, disconcerting staccato rhythms, and vocalist Stephen Richards's vocal assaults are accentuated beyond sanity by Ulrich (Pantera,Static-X) Wild's trademark production chops to devastating effect. Eastern accents haunt the nagging choruses of "Again & Again." "Now" showcases the band's seductive light-and-shade dynamism and harmonic sensibility, while the closer "Impact" boasts a merciless, scorching delivery. Based uponGift, star status seems assured for Taproot.--Ian Fortnam