umm I thinking if they're going for beach boys, its gonna fuckin tank.
Well considering the gamble they took on Pretty. Odd. and how well that turned out, I have nothing but good feelings about that idea. The retro sound works well for them and it's something they should stick with it.
I think once people let go of the fact that Panic will never have the sound of Fever they will be a little more open to their music. I personally did not care much for Pretty, but that doesn't mean i'm going to write them off completely. I think not having any expectations for this record will help a lot of people out.