Despite its not being a full band anymore, but instead under the moniker of Frontman Brendon Urie since 2015 (when he became its sole official member), Panic! at the Disco still continues to deliver vibeful and viable music.
That in mind, on August 19, 2022, Panic! At the Disco released Viva Las Vengeance, its seventh album, via Fueled by Ramen / DCD2 Records. The third album with Urie as the sole member, and first since 2018’s Pray for the Wicked, Viva Los Vengeance comes with twelve new songs that run for just over forty-three minutes. Produced by Urie, along with Jake Sinclair, Mike Viola, and Butch Walker, it begins straightaway with its punchy title-track… a seeming nod to the Pop Punk sensibilities of The Ramones. Another sweet-sour angularity follows with “Middle of a Breakup.” Ensuing next is “Don’t Let the Light Go Out” – a proper heartrending, promenade-worthy Alt. Rock ballad. And then there is “Local God,” whose melody will likely cause the listener to go under the mirrorball and dance with himself.
Urie vocals, drums, guitar, harpsichord, piano, synthesizer) and the rest of the ensemble – Jake Sinclair (backing vocals, bass, guitar, organ, synthesizer), Mike Viola (backing vocals, guitar, harpsichord, organ, piano, synthesizer), Rachel White (backing vocals), and Butch Walker (backing vocals, guitar) – then takes the show to the stadium, with the big, anthemic sound of “Star Spangled Banner” and the ensuing Queen-reminiscent “God Killed Rock and Roll.” “Say It Louder” then plays next, oozing with sunny Reggae vibes, only to revert to the Rock bravado of “Sugar Soaker.” “Something about Maggie” is a change of pace and era, a throwback to the Sunshine Pop of the ’60s; whereas “Sad Clown” is theatrical and Vaudeville-stylized.
After a series of quirky tracks, Panic! At the Disco relaxes the mood and the rhythm with “All by Yourself.” Finally, Viva Las Vengeance wraps aptly with the engaging Progressive Pop of “Do It to Death,” and what a tower of a song to end the album with! Viva Las Vengeance indeed!
When it is all said and done, Panic! At the Disco remains at the forefront of Alternative Pop music. Viva Las Vengeance is definitely a testament to this because it is biting, provocative, melodic, and simple in narrative but complex in form. Even Morrissey might be proud of this… that is if the miserablist is in a good mood. All this said, Cryptic Rock gives Viva Las Vengeance 4 out of 5 stars.
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