Panic! at the Disco, ‘The Ballad of Mona Lisa’ – Video Spotlight

Moving away from a rocky period in their career, Panic! at the Disco are returning full force, with a new album set for release in March and a new single, 'The Ballad of Mona Lisa,' which is reminiscent of the band's energetic pop-punk that fans fell in love with. 'The Ballad of Mona Lisa' video is also drawing inspiration from the past, as it has several references to the video for their breakout hit, 'I Write Sins Not Tragedies.'

The 'Mona Lisa' video opens with a recognizable shot of the same top hat from the 'I Write Sins Not Tragedies' video. However, this time around the hat is covered in dust and cobwebs, leading the viewer to believe that a lot of time has passed and many things have changed since the days of 'I Write Sins.'

After the familiar top hat shot, the camera pans down to singer Brendan Urie, who is donning retro goggles atop his hat, as well as several other brass cog-like adornments on his dusty black suit. The rest of the video also has this 'steampunk' theme, which is defined by MTV as a "sci-fi subculture that offers a fresh, romanticized view on technology by making it retro." Drawing inspiration from fashion in the 17th century, steampunk elements tend to include corsets, gowns with full skirts, frilly shirts, top hats, goggles, pocket watches, and so on.

Aside from the steampunk presence, the major theme within the 'Mona Lisa' video is death and conspiracy. In total, there are three different characters that Urie portrays throughout the video. First, he acts as a narrator, moving around the gathering of people as he sings into his vintage ring mic. Secondly, he portrays a menacing figure with yellowed teeth and a disheveled look. Thirdly, he portrays the dead body that the people have gathered to mourn.

To see how the mysterious video unfolds, be sure to check it out below. 'The Ballad of Mona Lisa' will be featured on Panic's upcoming album, 'Vice & Virtues.' The album, which will hit stores March 22, marks the band's first as duo, since two of the original members left the group in 2009.

Watch the Panic! at the Disco 'The Ballad of Mona Lisa' Video