Fall Out Boy abandons sound for empty EDM

Fall Out Boy is back with their first release since 2015’s “American Beauty/American Psycho.” The single “Young and Menace” was released early last week along with the announcement of a new album, “M A N I A,” set to drop Sept. 15. This will be the band’s seventh full length release over the span of their 15-year long career.

Lyrically speaking, after more than 15 years in the music industry, Pete Wentz and Patrick Stump can crank out hits together like a science. “Young and Menace,” is no different. It’s the perfect product of innovation and angsty undertones, which has now became the hallmark standard of the band.

However, concerning sound, Fall Out Boy always refuse to leave well enough alone. So, if you’re the music fan that tends to get attached to previous sounds and/or eras, don’t expect to get another “From Under the Cork Tree.” “Young and Menace,” is admittedly more than anyone initially bargained for, and it is by no means an exemplary piece of the band’s talent.

Fall Out Boy have officially ventured into dubstep territory. Patrick Stump’s vocals are virtually non-existent, any sign of a stereotypical guitar or bass line is gone and Andy Hurley has seemingly traded in a traditional drum kit for synth setup.

This “modernization” of Fall Out Boy is worrisome for many long-term fans of the band, especially concerning live shows. What’s the point of having a guitarist or a bassist if you’re only going to rely on synth electronic effects produced by drums and keyboards? What’s the point of having a singer if that singer doesn’t use his talent to sing? What is the point of even booking live shows if all the band is going to do is push play and stand on stage awkwardly for two and a half hours?

There is no point.