I think that by now, if you don't know what EMO actually means (and that is probably most of us) then you definitely don't care. In fact Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz recently described EMO as any band that has an androgynous frontman singing sad songs about girls, which probably isn't a absolute (or correct) definition, but who cares?

Fall Out Boy certainly don't, as their third album Infinity on High sees them trying (in vain) to reinvent themselves with the inclusion of Jay Z and production courtesy of Babyface. This is a sensible move since FOB already sound like Panic! At The Disco while snapping limply at the heels of Jimmy Eat World.

As a new year drags on Fall Out Boy attempt a fresh resolution: to be unique. The said reinvention is best seen on new single 'This Ain't a Scene, it's an Arms Race' (although, I'm sure Patrick Stump sings “arse face”). Like Muse took the plunge with 'Supermassive Black Hole’, Fall out Boy have made a bold move to redefine themselves with fantastic results. The thumping chorus slices through the traditional FOB verse, which results in something rather interesting – a novel concept considering FOB’s track record.

Unfortunately, the good ideas stop there (although the Panic! At the Disco-esque 'I've Got All This Ringing In My Ears...' is pretty good). However, if it's one thing FOB don't need to do, it is to sound too much like Panic!. The brass parps and delicate string intro of 'Thanks Fr the Mmrs' adds to an already infective melody, but again it makes them sound like Panic!.  The album then slips back into comfortable FOB territory, although some tracks such as 'You're Crashing' and 'Fame < Infamy' include nice touches to the tried and tested formula the overall gesture is overwhelmed by the majority of material that could have appeared on their last (rather dull) album.

After the initial excitement of 'This Ain't a Scene...' it is a sad conclusion that Infinity on High, as a whole, is not really a departure from their last effort. Neither is it a nod in the direction of a more accessible pop departure since FOB really weren't the most mysterious of bands in the first place. Infinity on High isn't dreadful; it's just forgettable, which is sad.

There is however, a silver lining: as with any FOB record, you don't have to see/hear the irritating ego-demon Pete Wentz. You think The Automatic's yapping Pennie is upsetting, you clearly haven't been to a FOB concert.
(3/5)