"I think i'm ready to leap, i'm ready to live, i'm ready to go

Vices & Virtues by Panic! At The Disco - Since 2005 I have had an unrelenting obsession with Panic! At The Disco. Many fans questioned the complete 180 turn the band did with the release of their second album (2008’s Pretty. Odd.) trading in theatricality and synth-punk-pop for a Beatles-esque sound and style. Many wrote the band off after that move, despite how well crafted and critically praised the album had been. It’s not difficult to see that musical styles have changed and directions pursued, cemented following the parting of ways of guitarist/lyricist Ryan Ross and bassist Jon Walker. Nearly three years later, remaining members Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith are picking things up where they were left off, with their first reappearance since their one release as a two piece band with New Perspective for the Jennifer’s Body Soundtrack. Vices & Virtues is an album that nearly expertly combines the strengths of both their first and second album, with very little room for improvement. Although Ross’ lyrics are no longer part of the mix, Urie takes up on the challenge and fairs very well considering they are some of his first (he did contribute lyrics to the two shortest tracks from P.O.) and he and Smith both have retained a very different musical sound. Although most tracks have co-writing credits to producers John Feldman and Butch Walker, they are a sound that is very distinctly Panic!, bringing back some of the more electric, synthesizer sounds that were present on their first album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, but were sadly absent on their sophomore record. These sounds add a dynamic to the album that makes it different from others in the alternative and punk-pop genre while remaining accessible to casual listeners. Some songs are more pop-rock than Panic!’s previous songs, such as the slower Always and my personal favorite album track The Calendar. Songs like Let’s Kill Tonight, Hurricane, and Ready To Go (Get Me Out Of My Mind) are poppy without losing that distinct synth-punk feel. The first single The Ballad Of Mona Lisa is a perfect example of the direction one would have expected the band to take had this album directly proceeded AFYCSO, as evidence from the steampunk theme of the music video. Overall, the album is comprised of very strong tracks, most of which include many different instruments and sounds without sounding too cluttered or overproduced. The last track, Nearly Witches (Ever Since We Met) opens and closes with a children’s choir and features several tempo changes and instrument blends (it is also the only track on the album that features writing credits for Ross who helped write some of the lyrics prior to his exit from the band). Another example of the blending of techniques from the first two albums is the most diverse track on the album Sarah Smiles which opens with an accordion and proceeds to pleasantly surprise with its use of different instruments and sounds. Admist all of these staggered arrangements and instrumentation, Urie’s voice remains a distinctive factor in the sound, demonstrated by his range and versatility in different styles. Where some of his lyrics are clearly not as developed as they could be (see the opening lines of Always) his voice remains his undeniable strength, rising above the sometimes cluttered background of the music. Smith’s drumming is also a huge attraction on the record, although that may be something that a casual listener may miss. But those who are paying attention to patterns and the beat can hear his expertise and fills. Overall the album is everything Panic! fans could hope for, especially those who were second guessing the band following Pretty. Odd. The enthusiasm for writing comes across so blatantly in every song, giving the listener the impression that this band still has so much to offer. If their live performances and recent interviews are any indication, it is safe to say that Brendon and Spencer are here to stay. This has my vote for best album of the year.

Key Tracks: The Ballad of Mona Lisa, Let's Kill Tonight, Memories, Ready To Go (Get Me Out Of My Mind), The Calendar, Nearly Witches (Ever Since We Met)

Currently Listening To: "Let's Kill Tonight" by Panic! At The Disco from "Vices & Virtues"