Panic at the Disco have calmed down since their first album. Pretty.Odd is a less angst-ridden collection inspired by a variety of genres, from folk and country to Britpop and punk rock.
Opener We're So Starving is a combination of the melody from Green Day's Basket Case and the idea of The Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band. This Beatles influence is in several songs, both in the music - From a Mountain in the Middle of the Cabins would be at home on Yellow Submarine - and lyrics - Paul McCartney could have written 'Northern downpour sends its love/ Hey moon, please forget to fall down'.
If you're not paying attention, the tracks all blend into one, so listen carefully. I have Friends in Holy Spaces is a great ragtime-infused song. Pas de Cheval is a musical romp that will have you doing your best 1960s dance moves.
As the band sings in That Green Gentleman, 'Things are shaping up to be pretty odd'. But if you like quirky records, you'll love this.