Fall Out Boy's Latest Holds Your Attention Nicely

The reliable Fall Out Boy has built its cred on big production numbers like "This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race" and "Thnks fr th Mmrs" so to hear them come out with a Dio De Los Muertos spicy bonbon like the brand new "Hold Me Tight Or Don't" strikes me as being the ultimate change-up. Of course the usual Fall Out Boy elements are represented. Vocalist Patrick Stumpf's vocals come in loud and clear and his rhythm guitar playing benefits the effort greatly. Drummer Andy Hurley proves he's right at home with both programmed or organic drum beats. He really puts his best foot forward kicking out attitude wherever and however he can. I'm digging the whistle opening at the intro. It showcases the FOB sass we've come to know and love. The chorus never fails to be infectious. It feels like an old friend who's stopped in for a visit. Amidst the Dio de los Muertos dancers, Pete vows this isn't how the story ends, that he and his lady were more confidants than friends. Is it possible to be in a gay mood with Day of the Dead spookiness looming in the background? Appears only Fall Out Boy could make that dream a reality. Pete Wentz lays down the law on bass. Kind of the smooth undercurrent to this ritmo caliente. When the sound gets reduced to clap along fun you could almost hear the sultry Sonora breeze lilting in the dusk air. You can't beat the pacing because it's kicking into high gear before you have a chance to freshen up your margarita glass. "Hold Me Tight Or Don't" thrives when it opts to stay in fourth gear. You want to party well into the wee hours of the morning. This song's D chord was an excellent choice by the powers that be, be they label brass or FOB itself. Again it's an element that begs for somebody to get a fiesta going...pronto. Lyrically my choice for best line would have to be "And when your stitch comes loose I want to sleep on every piece of fuzz that comes out and stuffing that comes out of you." Highly romantic, yes? Anyway Fall Out Boy delivers high quality steam while staying true to its schoolboy swagger. "Hold Me Tight Or Don't merits much more than a listen in passing. Check it out as part of the M A N I A album due out January 19th.