American Beauty/American Psycho by Fall Out Boy

2001 was a great year in the history of music, it was when Fall Out Boy became a band. In the many years since, the pop-punk-rock quartet have given us five awesome albums which have imprinted anthems, emotion, empowerment, and joy on our lives. This week, they released their sixth studio album titled American Beauty/American Psycho and in typical Fall Out Boy tradition it's one to remember.

Anthems are still present (Centuries is one to be shouted from rooftops), and emotion and empowerment still weave their way through the lyrics and melodies but what is new in this album is evolution. Patrick, Pete, Joe and Andy have been expanding their sound since day one, always pushing boundaries but still managing to sound like themselves. What American Beauty/American Psycho does, is break those boundaries that once only bent to create a far more electronic rock record than anyone ever thought they would make. It's definitely no From Under The Cork Tree (which will be celebrating it's 10th anniversary this year) and it's not quite as good as Save Rock N Roll but it is still exciting.

The aforementioned Centuries is a huge sounding rock anthem, holding a torch for all the kids who want to stand up against the enemy. Immortals is another big track (soundtracking Disney's latest delight, Big Hero 6 and whilst we're here, you should go see it because it's awesome) and it's here, and in songs such as Novocaine, Uma Therman and title track American Beauty/American Psycho, that you can see Fall Out Boy's bravery. These are the sounds that make this an evolved band and it's likely to leave people confused. It's commonplace for us to want to box things up into categories and when big rock bands like this add DJs and synthesisers into their music people get uncomfortable because this can no longer be done. But they shouldn't, especially when it comes to this album, because the boys have got the balance just right. There is still the more recognisable Fall Out Boy moments in the form of Jet Pack Blues and Twin Skeleton's (Hotel In NYC) but they aren't why you listen to this record. You listen for the moments of discomfort and uncertainty. American Beauty/American Psycho isn't the record of the year, nor is it the record of Fall Out Boy's career, but what it is is enjoyable, memorable and worth every penny.

6/10

Listen to: American Beauty/American Psycho, Twin Skeleton's (Hotel In NYC)

Fall Out Boy tour the UK in October. Tickets are available now.