Two years after the founding of Panic! At The Disco, the band performed one of their most lauded shows in Denver. Now, 20 years after the anniversary of “A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out,” the performance was recently rereleased on streaming and vinyl. As someone who listened to the band when they were at the peak of their popularity, I’ve been curious to see how the infamous 2006 performance has held up over time.
While the internet often labels Panic a pop band, most fans agree they’re an emo staple, and trust, this album will transport you right back to your emo days. Being the recording is a live show, it feels like you’re there in Denver. You’re getting more than just the songs; you also get the feeling of a live audience responding to the performance. It’s no short album either, totaling around an hour of theatrical emo anthems. Longtime fans will appreciate the record as a time capsule of a Panic lineup that doesn’t exist anymore, with the original group having dwindled down to just Brendon Urie. New listeners can appreciate the unique sound and blending of emo, pop and cabaret genres. The album serves as a reminder of when emo was the goal aesthetic for many young adults.
The rerelease doesn’t include any new adjustments or recordings, as the original performance remains intact. Fans will notice the band’s signature style of quirky song titles, which sometimes appear unrelated to the lyrics but often make a statement or add commentary. From the introduction to “The Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage,” the album features iconic tracks like “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” “Build God, Then We’ll Talk” and “But It’s Better If You Do.”
It’s worth mentioning that part of what made the Denver show so iconic was the theatricality of its staging. Panic didn’t just sing the songs; they performed them. The costumes, acrobatics and everything else are things you can’t get just from listening to the recording, but don’t worry though, you can watch the full performance on YouTube.
Ultimately, the album is iconic for a reason: Panic! At the Disco has continued to be relevant because their music still resonates with fans. Whether you listened to them at their peak and this album reignites your edgy, emo side, or you’re a new fan discovering their songs and style, Panic isn’t going anywhere for a while. The re-release and the band’s partial reunion at the When We Were Young Festival proves groups like Panic have a strong place in listeners’ lives. “Live in Denver” is truly worth a listen, even just to bring you back in time for a moment.
