2008 Woodie Awards
Panic releases entertaining, odd sophomore album
Michael Mason-D'Croz
Issue date: 4/25/08 Section: Features
Between the time "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out" and "Pretty. Odd." came out, Panic at the Disco has dropped a few things. First and foremost, the band dropped the "!" from "Panic" on its name and, even more noticeably, the overly synthesized and childish sound from its debut album.
Instead, Panic decided to record at Abbey Road Studios in England and incorporate an orchestra, which sounds great. However, in the first song Panic claims to be the same band as before, which is obviously untrue upon listening to the new album.
Panic is not the same Panic that released "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out," but it still is in a way. It's truly odd how the band is able to pull this off, and the secret lies in the absurdity of the album.
"Pretty. Odd." is an obvious tribute to the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" with its psychedelic orchestrated tunes. However, Panic didn't really know what it was doing in putting these songs together, and it shows in a few clumsy spots and absurd lyrics.
The lyrics hark back to "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out" and its prankster ways, which, in all reality, comes out as fun in this combination. Sure, sometimes the lyrics just didn't make any sense, but what type of Panic at the Disco album would it be if they did?
With all this in mind, the album was light-hearted and fun to listen to. The horns incorporated throughout the album add a new dimension to the music. While listening to the songs, I wasn't horrified by the fake sounds emanating from my headphones - a real plus out of this group - but was surprised by bright, light instrumentation.
The first single, "Nine in the Afternoon," is a very strong offering and a song that is impossible not to nod along to. The vocals throughout the album are clean, easy to understand and sound good alongside the harmonies.
Panic stays true to its fan base with a thick carnival feel to the whole album. This adds to the absurdity that makes the album work so well.
Overall this is a good sophomore showing, maturing in sound if not in lyrics. It's able to draw in new listeners while still playing to the fan base. There is room for the band to grow - lots of room - but that can't take away from a wholly entertaining and pretty odd album.
michaelmason-d'croz@dailynebraskan.com
Instead, Panic decided to record at Abbey Road Studios in England and incorporate an orchestra, which sounds great. However, in the first song Panic claims to be the same band as before, which is obviously untrue upon listening to the new album.
Panic is not the same Panic that released "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out," but it still is in a way. It's truly odd how the band is able to pull this off, and the secret lies in the absurdity of the album.
"Pretty. Odd." is an obvious tribute to the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" with its psychedelic orchestrated tunes. However, Panic didn't really know what it was doing in putting these songs together, and it shows in a few clumsy spots and absurd lyrics.
The lyrics hark back to "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out" and its prankster ways, which, in all reality, comes out as fun in this combination. Sure, sometimes the lyrics just didn't make any sense, but what type of Panic at the Disco album would it be if they did?
With all this in mind, the album was light-hearted and fun to listen to. The horns incorporated throughout the album add a new dimension to the music. While listening to the songs, I wasn't horrified by the fake sounds emanating from my headphones - a real plus out of this group - but was surprised by bright, light instrumentation.
The first single, "Nine in the Afternoon," is a very strong offering and a song that is impossible not to nod along to. The vocals throughout the album are clean, easy to understand and sound good alongside the harmonies.
Panic stays true to its fan base with a thick carnival feel to the whole album. This adds to the absurdity that makes the album work so well.
Overall this is a good sophomore showing, maturing in sound if not in lyrics. It's able to draw in new listeners while still playing to the fan base. There is room for the band to grow - lots of room - but that can't take away from a wholly entertaining and pretty odd album.
michaelmason-d'croz@dailynebraskan.com
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