My Chemical Romance

Four years after My Chemical Romance released their massive theatrical album The Black Parade, the New Jersey rockers are back with Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys.
Taking on a whole new style and musical direction for their fourth studio album the band have ditched their fancy theatrical show tunes, cast aside any legendary stars of musical theatre and said goodbye to their old alter egos.

Well they may have said goodbye to their previous alter egos, but there are new kids on the block this time, introducing Party Poison, Kobra Kid, Jet Star and Fun Ghoul. AKA Gerard Way, Mikey Way, Ray Toro and Frank Iero respectively.
This new album, even with the alter egos is much more stripped down, nothing too over the top just a collection of bloody good songs.

There isn’t a bad song on the album, twelve fresh sounding and exciting songs and three voiceover-talking tracks such as Look Alive Sunshine and Goodnight, Dr Death! Both featuring the character Dr Death voiced by Mindless Self Indulgence guitarist Steve Righ and there is no doubt that the titles are going to become a popular fan quotes.

During the last year it was announced that the bands second drummer Bob Bryar had left the band leaving them without an official drummer for the recording of the album.
The first track to be released from the album was Na Na Na. Which was previewed with the trailer for the upcoming album. It is a fast paced song that was transformed into a monster anthem during the preview shows across the country. The aggression an angst of the track brims out over the top with the energy ridden chanting of na na na na na na na! and phrases like “Kiss me you animal!” it is a perfect lead track to the long awaited album. A song that really causes excitement and suspense to see the rest of the new delights the band has in store.

What delights they are. An instant hit at the preview gig was Planetary (Go!) where Way commanded everyone to dance.
And dance they did. The most bouncy and energetic song on the album featuring synths and predominant drumming will really make you want to “get up and go!” as the lyrics suggest.
The band also takes a tongue in cheek stab at modern culture in Danger Days, the song Party Poison – about the wild world of a rock star “Ain’t a DJ gonna save my soul, I sold it long ago for Rock N Roll” and “Keep your cars and your dogs and your famous friends...”

And Vampire Money has a very punk feel to it whilst tackling the topic of the youth vampire craze. Almost a spoof of Twilight with lyrics “Sparkle like Bowie in the morning sun” and “When you wanna be a movie star... play it right and drive a Volvo car.” Then going on to say “Gimme some of that vampire money” indicating the massive wealth surrounding this new vampire craze.
The album is also jam packed with numerous other great songs like DESTROYA one of the bands heaviest songs to date, Sing and Bulletproof Heart.

My Chemical Romance always includes a smidgen of delight to every album with at least one beautiful rock ballad. The crowning jewel in Danger Days is S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W with almost haunting lyrics “hold your breath while the black bird flies.”
Every MCR album is better than the previous, they really crank it up every time. This is an outstanding contemporary rock album one of the best of the year so far.