Minus the frills, the fuss and the exclamation mark that once accompanied the utterance of the eccentric foursome’s name, Panic At The Disco return with an album of whimsical splendour and poetic justice.

Considerably toning down the hype that marked their arrival on the world stage years prior, vocalist Brendon Urie and cronies manage to keep the extravaganza intact, singing, strumming, frolicking and wooing their way through an honest, light-hearted and - at times - sole-soothing album of the friendliest disposition.

‘Pretty Odd’ is a 15-track release that embodies all that is Panic At The Disco: defiance of the norm, youthful exuberance and – of course – sensational marketability. While it is the latter that is responsible for their meteoric rise in reputation, it is the former that shines through on this offering and it’s this so-called rebellion from societal standard that should stand them in good stead for two or three albums to come.

After the repentant opening lyrics of ‘We’re So Starving’ in which Urie chants his way through an apology on behalf of the band for having been gone for so long, their anticipated ‘comeback’ continues with the critically acclaimed ‘Nine In the Afternoon’ and the tongue-in-cheek ‘She’s A Handsome Woman’.

From the sugary sweet lyrics of ‘Northern Downpour’ to the galloping tempo of ‘Pas De Chaval’, the audacious outfit keep the merriment plentiful with their melodic musings in ‘Mad As Rabbits’ and ‘The Piano Knows Something I Don’t Know’.

‘Folkin’ Around’ wouldn’t be inappropriate at a country bumpkin hoedown and the instrumentalism present in ‘She Had The World’ strike a similar chord to your favourite fairytale’s soundtrack.

Not shy to explore sound and style beyond their collective talents, Panic At The Disco conceptualised large sections of ‘Pretty Odd.’ with piano, violin, viola, cello, saxophone and a host of other instruments to add significance to the dynamic of the release; most evident in ‘When The Day Met The Night’ and ‘From A Mountain In The Middle Of The Cabins’.

Sure to displease the narrow minded, win over the open to suggestion and keep the teenyboppers questioning, the animation and overall confidence of ‘Pretty Odd’ was well worth its delayed release.