by: Sun-J
As a reviewer I am turned on to some of the world's greatest unheard musical talent. Though it is seldom that I come across a true gem. In fact it was only once, Atmosphere's "Godlovesugly." So after hearing praise form a friend, and noticing their chart climb on KUCI's Top 30, I decided to review the album. I was overwhelmed with enthusiasm that I had not felt from a punk band since New Found Glory exploded on to the scene.
Formed in a Chicago basement only a year and a half ago, this punk quartet shows emo may get old, but can still remain fresh and original. Going by the name that only true Simpson's fans (and I don't mean O.J., I mean Bart, Lisa, Homer, Maggie...) can appreciate, they ooze with enthusiasm, with anxious, catchy guitar hooks, and highly participative mic sharing.
Hailing from Chicago, the city which bred talents such as Motion City Soundtrack, Allister and Alkaline Trio, what sets Fallout Boy apart from most bands is their vocalist Patrick Stump. Stump's vocals reflect a mix between New Found Glory and Midtown. Rarely does he use abusively repetitive lines in his vocal melodies. His lyrics are clever, witty and morose all at the same time. The first track, “Tell That Mick He Just Made My List of Things to do Today??? opens up ferociously with amped power chords of excitement. Andy Hurley's drumming sets pace for Stump's vengeful lyrics, “I hope you choke on those words, that kiss, that bottle??|??? “Dead on Arrival,??? of which the acoustic version can be found on FOBs MP3.com site, is definitely the standout track with catchy lines such as, “This is side one, Flip me over, I know I'm not you're favorite record..??? “Grand Theft Autumn??? opens up with Stump signing a solo for a few lines, “Where is your boy tonight? I hope he is a gentleman., Maybe he won't find out what I know: you were the last good thing about this part of town..??? Already juiced, the song is further leveled with the mantra mic sharing. “Homesick at Space Camp??? fully displays what sets FOB apart from bands like Mest, with sophisticated lyrics, “And I can't forget your style or your cynicism, somehow it was like you were the first to listen to??|.??? Though this track doesn't stand out as compared to “Saturday??? or 'Dead on Arrival,??? give it time and you'll soon appreciate the way the band meshes instrumentation together to perfectly compliment Patrick Stump's voice. It's songs like this one on Take this to Your Grave which mask the downplay of when pop songs become old. “Chicago is So Two years Ago??? features refreshing vocal help from bandmates and fully displays the total vocal talent that Stump is, as he harmonizes in an amazing lyrical breakdown, “You want apologies girl you might hold your breath until your breathing stops forever
The only thing you'll get is this curse on your lips: I hope they taste of me forever.??? The next three songs, “The Pros and Cons of Breathing,??? Grenade Jumper,??? and “Calm Before the Storm.??? “The Pros and Cons of Breathing??? feature superb guitar tracks complimented by a subtle, yet pace setting bassline.
Fall Out Boy's musical mesh is amazing. This CD made me a punk fan again. If you have never listened to punk, this is a perfect place to start. From start to finish, with the order of songs and the vocal deliveries, Fall Out Boy will keep you interested.
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