All Time Low - Don't Panic
Baltimore quartet All Time Low broke the ice with the album So Wrong It's Right, a release that demonstrated the lads ability to not only write a decent track but play some infectious sounds. The two follow up releases, Nothing Personal and Dirty Work were yet more infusions of pop punk mayhem that gave the band the opportunity to spread their wings and engulf the world with their music. Don't Panic is the bands fifth release and is yet another masterpiece, demonstrating the progress and changes these guys have gone through over the last few years, resulting in possibly their best album to date.
From the moment The Reckless and the Brave plays, it is obvious to hear these guys are back in full force, with bigger guitars, louder drums, infectious melodies, enjoyable vocals and twelve tracks that are impossible not to enjoy. These lads are out to have fun and it is emitted through their music. This track is the perfect opener for the album as it is fast paced, punchy and really draws a listener in with the catchy chorus melodies and lyrics; setting the pace for the remainder of the album. Somewhere in Neverland is just as catchy as other tracks on the release, but by the sounds of it, will cause a much tougher punch when performed live. It has all the best elements of All Time Low past and present from the infectious hooks, sing a long chorus and musical ambiance that will take your breath away. So Long, Soldier take on a more rock side to their music than the pop punk bouncy they are renowned, for which really stands out and goes to prove they can do just about anything they set their mind to.
Like sardines in a tin, this album is packed with pop rock tunes and uplifting melodies that make you feel all excited inside, as well as sensational catchy choruses that make you want to sing so loud your head explodes; from Backseat Serenade and Thanks to You to the fantastic pop rock sound and catchy lyrics of Outlines by what do you expect when co-written by Patrick Stump. Closing the album is So Long, and Thanks for All the Booze and its ends just as well as it closes with some added powerful drumming. Although there are several guest vocals on this record, they don't add much to the listening experience; having Alex Gaskarth do what he does best and belt out words with his infectious voice is more than enough.
You hear some bands rehashing the same old melodies time after time, but this is not the case for All Time Low. There has been so much development over the last few years in their careers and this is all apparent in the words written and the sounds created for this record. By the sounds of Don't Panic, All Time Low is back in full force and shows no signs of letting down. The guys hit the UK early next year with a string of dates across the country.