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Last year saw the emergence of a new generation of Decaydance Records artists, with acts like The Ready Set and Hey Monday moving into the spotlight ahead of some of the label's more established acts. But don't throw dirt on the old guard just yet: They still might have some kick left in 'em.
Let's begin with Panic! At The Disco. Now a duo, with Brendon Urie and Spencer Smith, the band returns at the end of March with its new album, Vices And Virtues. The album's first single, "The Ballad Of Mona Lisa," dropped the other day.
The original lineup of Panic! split over creative differences, with Urie and Smith interested in pursuing a pop sound while Ryan Ross and Jon Walker retro-rocked out with Young Veins. "The Ballad Of Mona Lisa" certainly sounds polished, going from quiet to loud to arena rock over an insistent beat. It will be interesting to hear whether Vices is as straightforward as this, or if it goes back to some of the off-kilter pop of the band's debut, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out.
Don't panic, we've got more Decaydance-related news, this bit regarding the label's founder and chief, Pete Wentz. The former Fall Out Boy is taking his new act, Black Cards out on tour this summer. He'll be opening for pal and Gym Class Hero-gone-solo Travie McCoy on the latter's Sgt. Schlepper's Who Needs Hearts Club Band Tour.
Panic! At The Disco's Vices And Virtues is scheduled to drop March 29. Travie McCoy and Pete Wentz hit the road in March. You can get ticket info at McCoy's site, here.