Panic at the Disco Gets An Amen

Las Vegas stalwarts Panic! Ar The Disco share the usual mirth they're known for in "Say Amen (Saturday Night)". Vocally Ryan Ross is in perfect form. He sounds so much like the seasoned veteran of 14 years that he is. Not only that he looks to be having the time of his life in a video filled with stealthy burglars on the prowl. The martial arts scenes are full of the spunky comedy that Panic! has used as its trademark since its gravy days. You never get the sense that Ryan is in nothing but total mastery of his realm even when the physical rough stuff gets hot and heavy. It's an excellent backdrop to a tune that's as tight as a stripper's G-string. Jon Walker's keyboards, if you'll pardon the humor, are absolutely electrifying, the ideal campy complement entree to (Amen) with its multi-faceted harmonies. Bass player Brent Wilson isn't light in the loafers either. The opening foreboding passage plays out in good fun letting you know this is one stolen artifact caper you wouldn't want to miss. Percussionist Brent Smith shows agility early on once the spooky opening passage subsides. Panic! then lets loose with its four on the floor instrumental assault. Dallon Weekes lays down the smoothest keyboard riffs imaginable and this song's all the better for it. You're strongly urged to join in the fun as the boys lead you up and down one melodic passage after another, a roller coaster ride you find yourself smiling wider and wider as time wears on. Burglars slip and slide all over the place. The sound is tailor made for big arena crowds, lighters or phones in hand. The high note Ryan uncorks toward the end is truly a thing of beauty. Where he came up with the verve to hit that sort of high note puzzles me and always will I suppose. Whatever the explanation I love the outcome. Makes (Amen) a better song than one might expect it to be. The rhythms make it stupendous. How lofty are the heights they reach. Pacing is everything you could ever hope for. You admire the piss and vinegar they bring to the table. Such brashness serves them well. Ryan mulls over if he had one more day to change his life there would be no one left to save. Pretty resigned stuff if you ask me. He swears he's never going to repent and why should he. He's not to be messed with on or off stage. He does take some comfort in knowing he gave everything he had to give. He prays for the wicked on the weekend, specifically on Saturday night. I really take to the vibe of "Say Amen (Saturday Night). It's what diehards and newbies alike should lap up with great gusto.