Review

When Fall Out Boy blindsided the music world in 2003 with Take This To Your Grave, it was clear to see something was distinctly different about this particular quartet than the rest of the bands out there. Was it the novel long witty titles, the poignantly crafted song writing, or the genuine sincerity the boys displayed? Despite countless attempts to pin Fall Out Boy into the pop/punk hole, they always prevailed...to their true fans. People would have seen From Under the Cork Tree coming a year ago if they only listened to bassist Pete Wentz, "We might have pop elements in our songs, but we're a rock band." So it should come as no surprise when Wentz wanted "to have the light and the dark" on the new album.

Indeed it's true, From Under the Cork Tree burns through it's fair share of melodramatic tunes that briefly expose the anguish of the past two years. But, in keeping with Fall Out Boy's attitude, the tracks never stray from optimistic into depression despite how bad things might have been. "I've Got a Dark Alley and a Bad Idea that Says You Should Shut Your Mouth" expands vocalist, Patrick Stump's range to a much deeper tone and borrows heavily from their Joy Division influence while "Get Busy Living Or Get Busy Dying" bellows with emotional rock sensitivity from the shouts being traded between Wentz and Stump that rounds out with a dramatic poetry reading.

In fact, Stump isn't the only one to experience a musical transformation; every aspect of FOB you once knew has been greatly matured and beefed up. Guitarist, Joe Trohman amplifies his abilities on "Champagne For My Real Friends, Real Pain For My Sham Friends" with solos that tap into classical rock progressions, Wentz cranks up the bass surge on "Dance, Dance," while drummer Andy Hurley throws harder undertones on songs like "XO" and "Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner."

All of this isn't to say that the pop hooks that caused Fall Out Boy's lightning fast infusion aren't present. As evident on their first single "Sugar, We're Goin Down" and the track "I Slept with Someone In Fall Out Boy and All I Got Was this Stupid Song Written About Me" the boy's can still produce their fair share of damn catchy songs. Stump also doesn't have to go at it alone on Cork Tree as New Found Glory guitarist, Chad Gilbert; vocalist, Brenden Urie of Panic At The Disco!; and William Beckett of The Academy Is all lend their vocals on featured appearances throughout the album.

Sure, Fall Out Boy experienced a pretty big change, but who wants to hear the same album twice? Bandwagon fans will probably hate the musical growth that makes From Under the Cork Tree so special but true fans will understand exactly where Wentz and the rest of the gang are coming from. Maybe "Of All the Gin Joints In All the World" says it best: “You only hold me up like this / 'Cause you don't know who I really am." Now that their true side is exposed, we'll see how many people actually support good rock music versus the people that just like watered down uninspired pop/punk.

Review by Jason Schleweis

5 out of 5