16 March 7, 2006 THE RETRIEVER WEEKLY Arts & Entertainment Panic! At the Disco combines new and old

more distinct sound. KATE NUNLEY The album begins with an infectious Retriever Weekly Staff Writer track, “The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage.” Since the late 2005 release of Panic! At the The music is upbeat, almost bouncy, with Disco’s innovative major label debut A Fever techno interludes. The lyrics reveal a deeper You Can’t Sweat Out, the band has progressed cynicism about the music industry, “Dear from being a favorite among alternative fans studio audience, I’ve an announcement to to being featured on VH1. While this might make/ It seems the artists these days are not not necessarily be viewed as positive transition who you think.” This song is so catchy; I have among long-time fans, it is good to see an had it stuck in my head for days on end. The original band receive mainstream recognition. song directly after that, “London Beckoned A Fever spans genres including alternative, Songs about Money Written by Machines” is pop-punk, techno, rock, and disco. At the also a commentary on the music business. The same time, you can identify a Panic! song lyrics reveal that Panic! care little about their immediately despite the range of sounds A critics. Fever experiments with. Part of their unique Another metaphor explored on the album sound stems from lead singer Brendon Urie’s involves insanity, depression and morbid vocals. Urie sounds like a combination of lyrics. “Nails for Breakfast, Tacks for Snacks” Fall Out Boy’s lead singer Patrick Stump and and “Camisado” both delve into darker lyrics a more emotional Serj Tankian of System of with references to hospices and “the scent of a Down. Urie is insightful without falling dead skin on the linoleum floor.” For all this into stereotypes of “emo” music. The Nevada stereotypical “emo” imagery, the music doesn’t quartet is rounded out by Spencer Smith sound whiny or overdone. Both songs also (drums), Brent Wilson (bass) and Ryan Ross have quite a few techno elements weaved in. (guitar). Interestingly, the album is divided in two [bighastle.com] Half & Half: Panic! At the Disco’s new album comes in two parts. Panic! got their ridiculously charmed big parts with an intermission. The first half of A break when Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz Fever uses synthesizers and 80s dance pop riffs, first single off the album. Urie sings about The band has not been terribly well signed them to indie label Decaydence/Fueled and the second half uses piano and strings. a wedding in which the bride has been received by most critics, but the fans are by Ramen. Many music listeners have made Among the offerings on the second half unfaithful. It’s a decent song, but there are expressing a different opinion. Thus far, the the obvious comparisons between Fall Out of the album is “There’s A Good Reason more memorable tracks on the album that album has peaked at 39 on the Billboard Boy and Panic! At the Disco. Yes, they both These Tables Are Numbered Honey.” “You would have been better for a first single. For Charts. Hopefully, Panic! will be able to keep have excessively long song titles, creative Just Haven’t Thought of It Yet” starts with example, “Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can up the originality on their sophomore effort. lyrics, and lament over unfaithful girlfriends. Urie’s vocals over drums and a piano. The Have without Taking Her Clothes Off” is a However, the music behind all of the trappings lyrics are an amusing new take on someone great song with a much stronger chorus and is Kate Nunley is a Staff Writer for The is different. Fall Out Boy doesn’t often stray ruining their ex’s night. The song also includes a favorite among listeners. It probably would Retriever Weekly, and doesn’t give a damn from their guitars, bass and drums. Panic! trumpets, reminiscent of ska or vaudeville. have made a greater impact than “I Write Sins what other critics think. She can be reached at brings in numerous other genres to create a “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” is the Not Tragedies.” [email protected].