Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008

'Folie á Deux' shows off Fall Out Boy's maturity

By Bethany Lee, Herald staff writer

Slip into a delusion with Fall Out Boy's fifth studio album, Folie á Deux.

The French title translates into "a madness shared by two," but the eclectic guest list including Lil Wayne, Elvis Costello and Debbie Harry proves the band is anything but insane.

The nostalgic opener Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes is the first to demonstrate the band's maturity. The song's depth isn't overshadowed by its equally impressive catchiness.

Lead singer Patrick Stump gets a little Tears For Fears on I Don't Care, their first single off the album. Lead guitarist Joe Trohman has a great guitar breakdown toward the end that's worth listening to the song all the way through.

Coffee's For Closers has a fullness to it and a "take notice" factor similar to Coldplay's Viva La Vida. Drummer Andrew Hurley embodies the spirit of youth in this anthem for the disheartened.

Sounding a bit like Akon in the opening, Tiffany Blews has the angst of Thnks fr the Mmrs from their last album, Infinity on High. The song sounds a bit unfinished, resulting in repetitiveness. This is disappointing, considering w.a.m.s. has too much going into it, but sadly no direction.

Folie á Deux is another great album from one of the most talented pop punk groups around. Their chameleonlike ability to diversify makes each album a treat to experience.

*Bethany Lee: 582-1465; blee@tricityherald.com