In the past year, pop punk perfectionists Fall Out Boy have been flooding the radio. Now they're back at it again with their Feb. 6 release "Infinity on High."
Patrick Stump and the boys have come a long way from their Chicago roots, all the while crafting their pop sound. Pete Wentz, main lyricist, bassist, and backup vocalist, weaves a journey with his words and invites fans to follow along. With the release of their second major label album, FOB has been riding the wave of success.
While Good Charlotte has lost most of their original fan base due to the fact that they can't decide on which trend to hop on, FOB has made certain to preserve the same sound they produced on their 2003 release "Take This to your Grave." Though they haven't alienated their fans, it doesn't mean that they shoveled out another "From Under the Cork Tree vol.2."
The opening track titled "Thriller" features an intro from none other than Jay-Z, and is one of the stronger tracks on the record. Although, it seems Wentz has had quite an identity crisis due to the band's newly found fame.
"Last summer we took threes across the board / But by fall we were a cover story "now in stores" / Make us poster boys for your scene / But we are not making an acceptance speech."
In a few select tracks, it seems like Wentz is trying to convince the more stable Fall Out Boy fans that they aren't jumping on the new "scene" bandwagon. The only problem is that Wentz has taken the liberty of subscribing to oversized Gap ads, girl pants, and women's eye shadow. Luckily "Infinity on High" has little to do with Pete Wentz and his new fangled image.
Standout tracks such as "Hum Hallelujah" and "Thnks fr th mmrs" are by far the most catchy tracks on the album. The former sounds like it would have fit on any of the earlier FOB records while "Thnks fr th mmrs" is what happens when Stump and the boys decide to spend their day listening to their prot?(c)g?(c)s Panic!At the Disco.
Unfortunately, in the two tracks where FOB tries to show some maturity and diversity, they fail miserably. Both "I'm Like a Lawyer with the Way I'm Trying to Get You Off" and "Golden" are slow, skippable ballads.
Slump's voice and Andy Hurley's drumming are two highlights that show their expanse in range. The dimmest light off the record comes from the song "Carpal Tunnel of Love" where Wentz attempts his best Gorilla Biscuits impression and screams for a near-minute. This is honestly one of the worst attempts at screaming ever recorded and completely sabotages the song.
Despite the few misfires on the album, FOB continues to do what they do best: create wonderfully catchy pop punk records that everyone can enjoy. It is highly recommended for fans of Blink 182 who have yet to find a new obsession. "Infinity on High" will be one of the biggest releases this year, and for good reasons too.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
