After releasing their first album in 2005, pop-punk band All Time Low slowly began to make their way toward fame. Now with their fifth album, “Don’t Panic,” the band continues to bring their rebellious, loud-mouthed sound that so many young people love. While All Time Low has not really moved in any new directions, it would seem that they do not need to. With an already committed fan base, and their continued ability to get new fans, All Time Low is back with more of what they do best.
Overall, the album is not bad. The worst part of the album is that all of the songs sound similar. The song “So Long Soldier,” seems a little too cliché for the all-male, pop-punk band and all other pop-punk bands out there. But, this con could also be marked as a pro because people who like one song will most likely like them all.
Throughout the album, five different songs both good and bad controlled the direction and feeling of the album as a whole. The best tracks, “The Reckless and the Brave,” “Backseat Serenade” and “Paint You Wings,” definitely make the album worth listening to.
In contrast, “The Irony of Choking on a Lifesaver” and “So Long Soldier” make this album harder to listen to. The problem with “The Irony of Choking on a Lifesaver” is its boring sound and its similarity to a song you’d expect off a One Direction album, not a pop-punk album. The problem with “So Long Soldier,” revolves around its forgettable, cliché lyrics and sound, accompanied by a lot of shouting.
The best song on the album is definitely “Backseat Serenade.” This song has everything All Time Low fans love, and more. The pace, intensity and overall excitement throughout the song will make anyone a fan. “The Reckless and The Brave” also has strong potential. This comes from its building sounds that will surely be the anthem for rebellious young people everywhere.
If All Time Low’s “For Baltimore” is an ode to their hometown, then “The Reckless and The Brave” could be the ode to the band and their followers. The third song that deserves addressing would have to be “Paint You Wings.” The instrumentals are largely to thank for how great “Paint You Wings” is.
Overall, “Don’t Panic” is slightly repetitive and, with all things considered, All Time Low has not moved forward but they do not need to. Clearly what they have garnered as their style is good enough to keep fans and gain new ones.
