Published by Mason Oldridge, 21 March 2023
Fall Out Boy are back with a new album for the first time in 5 years after their mixed reviews predecessor.
The album opens on lead single Love from the Other Side, a heavy burst of energy with apocalyptic lyrics and Stump’s incredible and instantly recognisable vocals, heard from the opening note.
Unfortunately, not much variation is offered in the following tracks. Despite this, it doesn’t mean they are bad by any means, just a tad repetitive, and there are some that stand out from the rest.
Heaven, Iowa is the standout track. This epic ballad grows from melodic vocals over a simplistic beat to an emotional outpour on the second chorus with lyrics alluding to Romeo & Juliet.
I Am My Own Muse offers a beautiful uniqueness too thanks to its abrupt strings, which compliment the contrasting guitar and drums fantastically, whereas Hold Me Like a Grudge can be identified by its slick bass.
The album closes on the title track, a compelling song with an intergalactic feel, built upon rolling piano reminiscent of Muse’s Origin of Symmetry.
This album may not be remembered for centuries, but the few highlights make up for the lack of differentiation.
7/10