Linkin Park Breathes Some Amazing Life Into Its New Set

Linkin Park's Chester Bennington dazzles with his vocal versatility. He's easily one of the reasons why the rap/rock hybrid took off. He's at his best when the new "Living Things" allows him to demonstrate one doesn't need "Yow! My scalp is on fire!!" hysterics to flex his powerful muscle. Exhibit A is "Powerless". He carefully draws out his notes to achieve maximum effect. He's drawing you into the world of promises issued, problems unrealized simply by remembering not to abandon subtlety, which is a common danger for a lot of hard rock bands. His band mates, particularly keyboardist Joe Hahn, bathe him in this sure-footedness he then gains confidence from. Of course, the dyed in the wool devotees are going to appreciate Mike Shinoda's rap interplay with Bennington on "Lost In The Echo" Mike raps about learning to love your timeworn warts while Chester provides the melodic lift needed for this rock storm to acquire its menace. Another understated yet no less powerful gem is "Roads Untravelled". Chester urges us not to spend much cosmic energy regretting what we didn't do along the way. He's also there waiting to sit next to you if you just wanna yak a bit. This stunner is worthy of pause for reflection. It marvelously flows together. The only song I wonder about is "Victimized",which only serves the purpose of allowing Chester to try and get some of those anger issues out on the table. If anything it's drummer Rob Bourdon's chance to cut loose. It doesn't even hit the two-minute mark so that's not a huge quibble from my end. In the final analysis "Living Things" represents equal parts lush philosophical confessions and masculine rock riffs with a splash of quirky experimentation (see "Skin to Bone") thrown in keep both band and audience from growing too snug in the comfort zone. It's a pleasure to have Linkin Park back. I don't see this release signaling the end to their chart hot streak.