| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents need to know that this indie rock band laces their creative lyrics with some disturbing images ("Well, she's not bleeding on the ballroom floor/Just for the attention") and sexual innuendo ("Is it still me that makes you sweat?/Am I who you think about in bed?/When the lights are dim and your hands are/shaking as you're sliding off your dress?"). Other than the one mention of "f--k," the intense band is able to keep their songs profantity-free.
Whiny and self-conscious, the songs on A FEVER YOU CAN'T SWEAT OUT are filled with repetition and awkward phrasing -- to the point that many are actually unpleasant to listen to. The Las Vegas-based group, Panic! At the Disco, has been heralded by critics as delivering a unique blend of melody-driven rock and dance music, and there is a bit of talent here mixed up with some quirky originality. But the band seems to think so highly of themselves that preciousness trumps artistic originality on almost every track. A theatrical circus-y ambiance provides whatever excitement there is here, but it's not enough to keep things interesting.
Over-processed and monotonous vocals, tedious special effects, songs that don't really work thematically or musically -- with one or two perky exceptions -- add up to a project that probably makes way more sense to the band members than anyone else. You'll find a sprinkling of four-letter words, but mostly the lyrics are obtuse enough to not mean very much to anyone except, one gets the feeling, band members and other insiders. It's that quality of self-centered navel-gazing that is the worst part.
Families can talk about weirdness just for the sake of being weird, and if that is really the best way to make a point as an artist. Why is this band being critically celebrated?
| Artist: | Panic at the Disco |
| Release date: | September 27, 2005 |
| Label: | Decaydance |
| Genre: | Indie Rock |
| Parental advisory: | No |