Spring Break
Panic's Newest Album Shows Maturity, Variety
CD Review
Erik Emanuelson
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: Focus
The album's first single, "Nine in the Afternoon," follows with a bang and makes up for the silliness of the first song. The irresistible melodies, rather psychedelic lyrics, and simple guitar hook drive the song deep into your head, where it is sure to wear out its welcome.
The band's increased musical confidence shows on tracks like "She's a Handsome Woman" and "Do You See What I'm Seeing?" These songs are rich with a variety of lush sounds including mandolin fills and fluttering piano riffs.
Perhaps the most consistent part of the album comes in the middle with the one-two-three punch of "A Northern Downpour," "When the Day Met the Night" and "Pas de Chavel." The first is a subtle and delicate acoustic number with some impressive lyrical imagery: "Through playful lips made of yarn / That fragile Capricorn / Unraveled words like moths upon old scarves / I know the world's a broken bone / But melt your headaches, call it home."
Urie's voice shines over the acoustic strumming. "When the Day Met the Night" is probably the album's strongest song, offering a unique melody and a lot of variety. Finally, "Pas de Chavel" recalls the best of McCartney's Beatles contributions.
The album seems to lose a little steam once it passes the halfway point. However, there are still some solid and interesting songs towards the end. "Folkin' Around" is a very fitting title for the fiddle- laced hoedown. Hearing the rustic, bluegrass sounds behind Urie's not-so-bluegrass voice is an interesting experience.
All in all, while there is nothing "new" about "Pretty. Odd," there is definitely something worthwhile. The album is fun, enjoyable, and should better stand the test of time than the previous release, whose popularity seemed to be based more on fad than merit.
For those who feel above this record, there is no shame in enjoying the auditory pleasure it promises to bring. No, it is not the Beatles and this is not 1968, but don't hold your breath for a time machine or a Beatles reunion any time soon - take what you can get.
Contact Erik Emanuelson at
Erik.Emanuelson@UConn.edu.
The band's increased musical confidence shows on tracks like "She's a Handsome Woman" and "Do You See What I'm Seeing?" These songs are rich with a variety of lush sounds including mandolin fills and fluttering piano riffs.
Perhaps the most consistent part of the album comes in the middle with the one-two-three punch of "A Northern Downpour," "When the Day Met the Night" and "Pas de Chavel." The first is a subtle and delicate acoustic number with some impressive lyrical imagery: "Through playful lips made of yarn / That fragile Capricorn / Unraveled words like moths upon old scarves / I know the world's a broken bone / But melt your headaches, call it home."
Urie's voice shines over the acoustic strumming. "When the Day Met the Night" is probably the album's strongest song, offering a unique melody and a lot of variety. Finally, "Pas de Chavel" recalls the best of McCartney's Beatles contributions.
The album seems to lose a little steam once it passes the halfway point. However, there are still some solid and interesting songs towards the end. "Folkin' Around" is a very fitting title for the fiddle- laced hoedown. Hearing the rustic, bluegrass sounds behind Urie's not-so-bluegrass voice is an interesting experience.
All in all, while there is nothing "new" about "Pretty. Odd," there is definitely something worthwhile. The album is fun, enjoyable, and should better stand the test of time than the previous release, whose popularity seemed to be based more on fad than merit.
For those who feel above this record, there is no shame in enjoying the auditory pleasure it promises to bring. No, it is not the Beatles and this is not 1968, but don't hold your breath for a time machine or a Beatles reunion any time soon - take what you can get.
Contact Erik Emanuelson at
Erik.Emanuelson@UConn.edu.
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