With every new release, Panic! At The Disco has continuously reinvented itself. Its new album, Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die, came out on October 8th, 2013 followed by the announce of a tour.
Its debut album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, is a generous mix of pop punk and alternative rock. While its sophomore album, Pretty. Odd., is mainly pop with rock elements. The band begins to move forward toward a more dance pop style with its third release, Vices and Virtues, which combines pop and alternative rock. And their most recent album, Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die, has finally come down to alternative dance. Although their sound may change from album to album, the group has always delivered unique melodies and arrangements.
The title of the album comes from Hunter S. Thompson’s most famous novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The music, too, carried the theme of Vegas. The lyrics were inspired by vocalist Brendon Urie’s recollections of the city and the lifestyle it promotes. “Vegas Lights” is the most prominently obvious and geared to the main theme. It states “The vegas lights / the lies and affectations / sensation / we’re winning ‘till the curtain’s coming down” and gives other specific memories of Urie’s trip to Las Vegas as a child and as an adult. “Casual Affair” talks more about the atmosphere of the city and the people within it.
There are similarities and differences between each album, but every song relates to the theme portrayed. And while Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die is a step from Vices and Virtues, it pales in comparison to the genius of Pretty. Odd..