Panic! at the Disco - A Fever You Can't Sweat Out

Fueled by Ramen/Decaydance


3 out of 5 stars

Ladies and Gentleman..meet the band, all under the tender age of 21 - Ryan Ross on guitar, Spencer Smith on drums, Brendon Urie on guitar and vocals, and Brent Wilson on bass.

I haven’t read a lot of great reviews about this CD, yet, every music fan I know seems to love them and I just tried getting a ticket for one of their sold out shows to no avail. So I guess there is some truth to the ole adage, “If critics knew anything about music, they’d be musicians.”

There has been much made about this band being the first band signed to the new label started by Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz. Putting that aside, I’m not really sure why it matters.  Do they sound like FOB?  Mmm maybe.

I listened to this CD with the preconceived notion that it was “emo”. What really is emo anyway? It’s short for “emotional” and supposedly covers different syles of emotionally charged punk music. In a word, it’s just another useless label. If we’re going to choose labels for them, I’d delve into techno, new wave beats with synth rich pop-punk melodies. The first thing I noticed from song to song was the upbeat vibe, the clever lyrics, and my relentless need to dance to each and every one of them, regardless of where I am...then again, I dance in the elevator.

Other than perhaps requesting an abridged version of some of the song titles, I thought the lyrics were the best I’ve heard from a new young band in so long. They are so insightful and witty, drawing ironically from life experiences, literature, and the basic going ons of a young cynical mind. To think that this band is comprised of 18 and 19 year olds, is pretty crazy. There has been criticism of some of their lyrics ripping off author Chuck Palahniuk. (Author of Survivor, Fight Club, etc). I don’t think being influenced by a book or an author should be considered ripping them off, its complimentary at worst. Perhaps it will inspire a few kids to sign off of MySpace for five minutes and read a book by one of the greatest writers of the modern time.

My one concern while listening to this album, is how would the band translate live? A lot of the sounds are a bit experimental, on “Nails for breakfast, tacks for snacks” there is a substantial amount of play on the lead vocals. I realize that pretty much every band and musical artist these days takes some liberties when it comes to recording and the finished product, but I for one expect them to back it up when it comes to a live performance. Lead singer, Brendon Urie, shines vocally on many of the songs, so I’m not sure why they would manipulate the vocal so much on this track.

Mid album there is a very fitting intermission track. It serves as sort of a segue between the first half of the album which is not only “Fueled by Ramen” but fueled by the new wave, synth heavy, techno dominated sound to the second half of the album which goes a bit old school with piano, violin, guitar, drums, and a bevvy of other instruments.

Overall, I think this album is one hell of a ride. It’s almost original, it’s fun, and most of all, this one keeps you coming back.

Hits:
Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide Is Press Coverage
I Constantly Thank God for Esteben
But It’s Better If You Do
Time to Dance
Camisado

Misses:
Build God, Then We’ll Talk

In closing, I’ll leave you with one of the band’s fitting lyrics:

“We’re the wet dream for the Webzines”

You can say that again.

Reviewed by: Mary | February 2006

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