M&C| WEDNESDAY | 1.27.2016| MACEANDCROWN.COM
Arts &
B3
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E N T ER T A I NM E N T
MONARCH MUSIC MINUTE BY ADAM FLORES Hell YES!
I’ll Listen to it Twice, Even.
We’re Getting There...
Eh...
Face Palm.
Panic! at the Disco ‘Death of a Bachelor’
Courtesy of Fueled by Ramen
Theatrical pop-rockers Panic! At The Disco’s latest record, “Death Of A Bachelor,” marks the birth of a new direction and life for singer Brendon Urie. Recorded shortly before his wedding, the new album released on Jan. 15 marks not only a farewell to bachelordom, but signifies a celebration of the old and new within the band’s achievements. Representative of this celebration is the opening track “Victorious” with its anthemic-like quality. As a bold entrance into the album, it serves as a catalyst into other ener-
getic tracks such as “Emperor’s New Clothes” and the ska-swing inspired “Crazy=Genius.” As the first album in three years by a group that is a sonic, theatrical spectacle, only bandleader Urie remains as an original member. Urie has no intention of reuniting the original lineup for an upcoming tour making this new record more important for his creative control and output. Urie uses samples of the B-52’s “Rock Lobster” most notably on “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time.” He also puts on his best
lounge-singer persona on the album’s eponymous track, yet with a flash of controlled falsetto to a lush backing track, Urie breaks the mold of the stereotypical lounge lizard fighting for a little musical respect. With a recent appearance on Dec. 6 at The NorVa, Panic! At The Disco will be making a return to the Hampton Roads area. In support of their “Death Of A Bachelor” release, they will be playing this summer at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater in Virginia Beach coheadlining with Weezer on June 22.
Conrad Sewell ‘All I Know’
Born in London, raised in Australia and now based in Los Angeles, singer-songwriter Conrad Sewell’s makes his debut with “All I Know – EP.” Released on Jan. 8, the crooning, soulful delivery reflects his life and music and a beat all his own. Influenced by his mom’s records of Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder as a child, Sewell began to hone his talents in his formative years. By age 13, he knew what he wanted: a record deal. His first contract was with Universal in Sweden as a songwriter. Af-
ter fronting a band in Germany, he scored a hit and soon after, bought a one-way ticket to Los Angeles. Sew ell soon began work with producer Jamie Hartman, whose credits include Christina Aguilera and Joss Stone. “All I Know” reflects his raw vocal energy as part of Hartman’s decision to strip everything back and letting Sewell’s vocals shine. Tracks such as “Start Again” and the uplifting “Hold Me Up” serve not only as a catalyst for his sound, but also as a trend away from the ultra
electronic vocal production found in much of today’s pop music. A close listen to his out-front vocal lines reveals the grit and freshness of the young singer’s soul in his lyrical themes. Though Sewell’s sound has found him opening for Ed Sheeran, his voice is still in development. A command of his higher range and overall pitch control will help ensure his longevity and place in the music community as a respected artist.
Courtesy of 300 Entertainment
Tank
‘Sex Love & Pain II’
Courtesy of Atlantic
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Durrell Babbs, better known by his stage name Tank, has released “Sex Love & Pain II,” the follow-up to 2014’s “Stronger” and the sequel from his hugely successful 2007 “Sex Love & Pain.” “SLP2” dropped on Jan. 22 and the saga continues where he left off in 2007 with an expanded guest list to include Chris Brown, Rich Homie Quan and Yo Gotti. “SLP” in 2007 quickly topped the R&B album chart, sold over 100,000 units in its first week and picked up a Grammy nomination in 2008 for Best R&B Album. The album’s first single
and number one hit, “Please Don’t Go,” also earned a Grammy nod for Best R&B Male Vocal Performance. After a recent rancorous split of TGT, Tank’s supergroup with Ginuwine and Tyrese, the singer-songwriter and producer keeps moving forward. “SLP2” expands on its three themes interwoven much like its predecessor. The story reveals the gifts Tank brings to the table and the R&B community within his music. The first single, “You Don’t Know” featuring Wale, delivers his smooth, yet precise vocal timbre. Recently,
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Tank dropped another single, “Better For You,” a piano ballad swooning the ladies and claiming he can do a better job igniting the romance. After venting on Instagram a while back about his frustrations with the music business, his record label and lack of support for his genre, Tank thought seriously about giving up his craft. Fans can be thankful he has remained on course with his music and “SLP2” looks to mark another big year for the R&B.