L.A.P.D. — Who's Laughing Now (review)

L.A.P.D. — Who's Laughing Now album cover

Album · 1991 · Funk Metal

4/5 · 2018-03-31
Unitron

Most know how Korn spawned the nu-metal genre when they released their debut studio album back in 1994, but not as many know about the short-lived funk metal band L.A.P.D. Unfortunately, many people only know L.A.P.D. as the band that featured James Shaffer, Reginald Arvizu, and David Silveria before they went on to form Korn. This is a bit of a shame, as L.A.P.D. were a great and unique band in their own right.

L.A.P.D. displays a very wide range of styles and influences, but almost always remaining funky. You'll hear crossover thrash, hardcore punk, grunge-y groove metal, and even a bit of rap. Think Primus meets D.R.I. meets a bit of Beastie Boys, and you'll get a close idea of what to expect. As with most funk metal, these guys have a good sense of humor, which is displayed right in the opening of the album. Opener "P.M.S." begins with a sound clip from The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles before thrashing the listener's skull. There's none of the depressing and dark subject matter of a Korn record, this album is pure fun, as most funk metal is at its best.

The album is overall really consistent, so it's hard to mention highlights, but there are a few in particular that do stand up above the rest. For those who want some killer thrash-funk, "Excuse Me" delivers those goods. As soon as the song actually starts, it slams your face into the ground with this descending thrashing swirl right into the pit before getting into a marching riff into funky thrash. For an instant headbanger, just take one listen to "Place in France" and try not to get addicted to that riff. It is completely contrasted at the end though with somewhat of a Dream On-esque guitar tone. "Don't Label Me" is a a should-be funk metal classic, and "All My Life" is a short but fun as hell crossover thrash track.

Vocalist Richard Morrill, the only member who wouldn't go on to form Korn, can switch from a Les Claypool-esque tone, hardcore/crossover screaming, to what I can only describe as a stoner rap on "Don't Label Me". That may sound weird, but it adds so much charm. James Shaffer delivers a ton of punishing funk-thrash riffs, as well as some excellent solos on "Don't Label Me" and "Listen (Do What I Say)". The solo on the former in particular is awesome when blended with Reginald Arvizu's funky bass mastery. Last but not least, David Silveria brings a solid rhythm section with Arvizu.

While I love Korn, it would have been nice to hear L.A.P.D. continue as a side thing when the guys weren't busy with Korn. If you're a fan of funk metal, I highly recommend giving this album a listen. It may not be Sailing the Seas of Cheese or S.C.I.E.N.C.E. level of mastery, but it's still a great fun listen.

https://thewickednest.blogspot.com/2018/03/lapd-whos-laughing-now-review.html

more than 2 years ago
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Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Thanks. Yeah, I don't know where those magazines got some of their ideas for genres sometimes. I've seen Slayer and Mercyful Fate called black metal in a couple of those 80's metal magazines.

Vim Fuego wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I got this about the time Korn were getting big. It had been described as grindcore or somesuch silly thing in Metal Hammer. It isn't. Unique? Yes. Great? Definitely open for debate..;) Nice review though.