Fall Out Boy announced a new tour with The Offspring and Good Charlotte for next summer. While they have released a new single, Aces, there has not been promise of a new album, with frontman Pete Wentz saying “There’s not an album currently. There’s not an album that we’re gonna dump out tomorrow.” However, I believe that a new album is on the way. Here are some clues Fall Out Boy has dropped that point to something more than a single:
#1: The Twilight Town Mall
On October 30th, Fall Out Boy released a mysterious Instagram post saying “Welcome to Twilight Town Mall. We Look Forward to Seeing You.” The post included a link to a website called the Twilight Town Mall. On the page, there are multiple links to websites for stores in the mall, each with references to the band’s older songs and lyrics. Furthermore, Fall Out Boy filled a physical mall in Los Angeles to mirror the website. The mall is open to the public and includes many fan experiences and live events.
All of the effort the band has put into this website and physical location makes me think they couldn’t possibly just be releasing a single. This seems to point to something more, such as a new album. If it is, each of the “stores” in the mall could connect to a track. There are many opportunities to utilize the new media and pop-ups to promote a potential new album.
#2: Anniversary Year
Perhaps the most obvious hint, the timing hints at a new album! It is Fall Out Boy’s 25th year as a band, which could mark an excellent year to release something more than a single. Also, it has been a couple of years since their last album, So Much (for) Stardust), so the spacing would not feel rushed if Fall Out Boy released a new album. If not a new album, the anniversary could lead to the release of a deluxe edition of past music, or the release of vault tracks. However, I think the new single signals towards new material, rather than the repackaging of older material.
#3: Andrew Garfield
Next, while the band seemed to say a new album is not on the way, the phrasing of their statement is a bit unclear. When asked if a new album is on the way, singer Patrick Stump added, “After Andrew Garfield, what do you do…Either I’m gonna say the truth, which is that there’s not currently an album, and it’s gonna be, ‘Well, he’s lying about it.'” Since Andrew Garfield repeatedly said he was not going to return as Spider-Man, but then did, it’s possible the band is also lying about not releasing an album. The allusion could be a hint that a new album is on the way, or it could be the band simply explaining the public’s doubt.
#4: The Tour
Finally, Fall Out Boy has announced a tour for next summer, spanning the United States and parts of Europe. The last time Fall Out Boy announced a tour, it was to promote their new album. While a widespread tour for only a single is possible, it seems likely that it would warrant a new album to accompany it. Furthermore, the band has appeared in many public performances without releasing new music. Thus, to diversify the set list from previous tours, a new album could be useful.
In the end, only time will tell if a new album is coming or not. The new website, popups, overall timing, pop culture references, and tour announcement could all be hinting at an album. Or, it could simply be for the new single and as a commemoration of the band’s 25th anniversary. No matter the outcome, the new single and tour mark an exciting time for fans.