"Naked And Fearless" is the most recent surge of music from Jacoby Shaddix and Co., that is trying desperately to breakaway from the Nu-Metal label that Papa Roach have carried around with them since the release of 2000’s “Infest”. 2009’s “Metamorphosis” is their least nu-metal album to date and now, Papa Roach have distanced themselves even further away from their past, by making this acoustic EP.

"Naked and Fearless" comprises of three songs, 'Lifeline', 'Had Enough' and 'Carry Me', all three of which are taken from Papa Roach’s latest offering, “Metamorphosis”. By choosing arguably one of the most popular songs on the album (coming in second best to 'Hollywood Whore'), this will most probably up the interest for an otherwise pointless EP.

The songs, though performed well enough with 'Lifeline' being the better of the three, it doesn’t make for compelling listening and these acoustic offerings are not as good as their electronic brethrens. In terms of bringing something new and exciting to the tracks, “Naked and Fearless” eradicates some of the original life and appeal from the songs, rather than rejuvenating and reinventing them. The major problem with “Naked and Fearless” though, is not the music itself or even Shaddix‘s voice , the major problem with this EP, is the lyrics. Without the loud, brash music drowning out the words to the songs, Shaddix’s lyrics are thrust into the limelight, open for criticism and ridicule and although Shaddix has never really been known for his amazing song writing skills, “Naked and Fearless” makes it even more apparent than ever before.

Shaddix’s lyrics are clichéd, overworked and at times positively cringe-worthy. Maybe Shaddix can see something, we the humble public can’t, but a move as brave as making an acoustic EP, where the words will become the most domineering force and take presence over the actual music, normally suggests some form of pride and self belief in ones own capabilities. Equally it may also prove that Shaddix lives in a delusional and blissfully unaware world, where his lyrics are thought-provoking, inspirational, words of wisdom, for a generation of misunderstood youths, looking for someone to show them the way. Delusion it is then.

So we’re back to that old chestnut. What is the actual point of this EP? Maybe its for Papa Roach themselves to validate that they can actually play their instruments or maybe it’s to prove that Mr Shaddix can do more than just talk in rhythm down a microphone. It may even be an attempt to demonstrate to the pessimistic individuals out there that have criticised Papa Roach over the years that there is a more melodic, serious side to this band. Or is this just another attempt to kick box their nu-metal roots back to 2000 and detach themselves even further away from their previous musical outings. Judging by the large “Fuck You Nu-Metal” tattoos so obviously printed across the band members foreheads, its most probably the latter.

The sad thing about “Naked and Fearless”, is that Papa Roach could have got the same message across without having to actually make this god awful acoustic EP. Instead, Jacoby Shaddix and co could have donned scantily clad, luminous yellow t-shirts, bearing the words “Take Us Seriously!” on the front and “We Are No Longer Nu-Metallers!” on the back and pranced around various countries spreading their message to the world. It would probably have been more entertaining than “Naked and Fearless” and a lot more original too.