My Chemical Romance – Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys

So I guess this one isn't getting a new release from Walmart like the first three? I am glad they rereleased Bullets this time around though, unlike when UO did their releases.

Edit: well, nevermind!

I have a picture disc of this one, but was curious to see what color they'd go with for Walmart...

BOOOOOOOO this album sucks
why why why did they switch to pop punk

Arguably, it seemed like the 2000's emo revival was gradually at its way out of the zeitgeist during or after The Black Parade, and poster children of the movement My Chemical Romance claimed that they missed being an uncut rock band. Their last studio album to date, Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys (cool-ass album title, by the way) might be enough to convince you that they sure as hell meant it.

Now with their heads out of the clouds, MCR carried on their all-homers-no-pitches streak, effectively mixing Ray Toro and Frank Iero's invaluable guitar-work and harmonies, Gerard Way's energetic vocals and Mikey Way's driving basslines into brash, fast punk rock, for the first time since their debut, and with adrenaline-fuelled riffs, atmospheric synths, different musical influences and an off-the-walls creative vision. Danger Days takes place in post-apocalyptic California, 2019, where all the way in Battery City, the world of the Fabulous Killjoys are under threat by Better Living Industries and their highly-trained exterminators. Unluckily for them, the Killjoys' ammo only consist of laser beams and rock 'n' roll.

To compliment the raw, riff-driven songs in Danger Days, the song-writing went over a colourful metamorphosis, making mention of superhero-esque motifs ('We're on your property standing in V-formation') and the Killjoys' otherworldly arsenal. ('Blow a hole in this town and do our talking with a laser beam')

I'll say this right here and right now: there are NO bad songs to be found in Danger Days; in fact, it's all serious recommendation after serious recommendation, but for the sake of this review, I'll point out some highlights. "Look Alive, Sunshine" and "Na Na Na" is the perfect two-in-one combo and appetiser of what this album has at the trunk. "Bulletproof Heart" and "The Only Hope For Me Is You" show that MCR are not afraid to have a bit of self-reflection amongst the energy, while also showcasing how the synth-work enhance the tracks. "S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W" is a dreamy psychedelic rock romp with jittery vocals and offbeat guitar riffs, whereas the band's farewell single "The Kids from Yesterday" has bittersweet lyrics and a synergetic performance strengthened by the band's mutual appreciation of adulthood. Finally, the hard rocker "Save Yourself, I'll Hold Them Back" and album closer "Vampire Money" bear no nonsense and crank their guitar solos up to 11.

What an exuberant final album, MCR! You'd be pleasantly surprised by how much fun you'd be receiving across the 15 tracks of Danger Days, and though I must warn you that the band's earlier work is much different from this album, I guarantee you that THIS is one that's worth looking for and one's that's starving to be played at high volume.