It’s been two years since the last Panic! At the Disco release and the title is a nod to Hunter S. Thompson’s classic novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and that’s where the inspiration ends.
On the whole this record takes the listener on a different journey than the previous albums had done. It is obvious that it’s PATD albeit a band who have gone down a darker route influenced by 80’s electro pop and 90’s alternative rock, saying that there are quirkier elements from previous releases.
The opening two numbers This is Gospel and Miss Jackson act as a great introduction to the new direction the band have taken showing a versatile ability ranging between the huge anthemic stadium style chorus of TIG, and the infectious electro groove pop of Miss Jackson.
A highlight of the record comes in the third track Vegas Lights. Starting off with a sample from an old children’s program it follows on to a flowing verse bridging into a short punchy chorus in which Brendon Uries signature vocal shines through relentlessly.
The hook from Casual Love has to be one of the catchiest refrains this author has heard the band supply in many a year, which is surprising due to the dark slow tempo of the track and the brooding vocal of the verse. Far Too Young to Die and Collar Full could both be singles in their own right maybe for different seasons. The former being a tune best suited for the winter and the latter being summery and bouncy.
The End of All Things closes the album beautifully with its auto tuned vocal, haunting piano melodies, and infectious hooks. The subtle string section gives it an orchestral life of its own which aids in the track to get stuck in your mind for days.
Overall the album probably won’t top many lists towards the end of the year, but it will probably stand the test of time.
8/10
