In the grand tradition of bands that appeal to the angst-ridden tweens of the world, Paramore has been a relevant producer of pop-punk music since 2005. Its sound, until its latest release, was very similar to the music being made by their contemporaries like The Academy Is , Mayday Parade and Cute Is What We Aim For. However, this group has a history that was steeped in a much more significant tradition. After forming in 2004 and releasing its first album in 2005 "All We Know is Falling," Paramore rose out of the ashes of bands like Good Charlotte and Fall Out Boy, gaining notoriety initially by performing at music festivals like Warped Tour. More realistically, however, by having female lead singer with red hair and a bad attitude - Hayley Williams - Paramore stepped into the shoes of former punk-princess Avril Lavigne. After releasing three albums and garnering a fairly loyal following of tweens, Paramore suffered a massive blow; two founding members of the band, Josh and ZacFarro, left in a huff in order to pursue their own musical aspirations. These two brothers, who were with Paramore since the beginning, were entirely influential in defining the sound of Paramore. Now, in its first studio-length album without the Farro brothers, Paramore has a lot to prove.
This self-titled album is a departure from anything that Paramore has ever released. Equal parts Panic! At the Disco, with strong steaks of excitable tracks marked by pop-rock, plus a stellar performance by Ingrid Michaelson, with frequent acoustic breaks and strong female pop vocals, "Paramore" is something of a paradox. It is plain to see that the loss of the Farro brothers has shaken the foundations of the music Paramore was creating; the tracks seem a little meandering and confused. However, "Paramore" is ultimately a triumph for the band. The loss of the Farro brothers, and the upheaval that the loss introduced into the band seem to have been a blessing in disguise for the once-dull group.
Although monotonous, Paramore is popular for a reason. In the past, the group produced albums that were fun and effortless, providing a niche group of music lovers exactly what they wanted. However, the loss of the Farros forced Paramore to return to the drawing board, and the band took the initiative to integrate and adapt its sound to the contemporary influences of pop-rock music.
"Paramore" is an album marked by incredibly catchy melodies, the band's classic aggressive double-bass drum parts and punk sounds and, most importantly, the stellar vocals of Hayley Williams. With strong musical similarities to the pop prowess of the Brit It girl Jessie J. and the more eclectic bass sections and guitar riffs of Hot Hot Heat and We Are Scientists, "Paramore" is certainly a move forward and a sign of maturity from the veterans of teen-belligerence. Listening to the album, which is comprised of 17 tracks, makes it clear that Paramore is attempting to integrate the more indie aspects of today's music scene into its tried-and-tested sound. This shift seems successful, with Paramore able to retain its image while experimenting with more contemporary sounds and influences.
Some notable tracks on the album include the opening song called "Fast In My Car" and the 12th track, "Hate to See Your Heart Break." Both tracks showcase Paramore at its best, with its head-thumping sounds and the powerful vocals of Williams shining through brilliantly. The most popular track on the album,"Still Into You," represents the new side of Paramore - its willingness to adopt more modern and popular influences.
Whether Paramore is a band that you have always loved, a relic from your middle school past or a band that you've never really given the time of day, its most recent release is something worth listening to and contemplating.
