When you think of Tennessee, what do you picture? An old grandpa perched on his porch with a banjo over his right knee and a stick of wheat hanging from his mouth? The Blues? Cows? Elvis eating a peanut butter and banana sandwich? It’s all very likely, but what one might overlook is the young musicians from the tiny central city of Franklin. You may remember the fiery-orange haired (currently platinum blonde) pint-sized powerhouse who took the world by storm at only eighteen. Now into their third full length, Hayley Williams leads Paramore alongside Josh and Zac Farro, Jeremy Davis and Taylor York. With an average age of 20.8 these not-so-southern rockers release their best album yet. Brand New Eyes. Being catchy seems to come effortlessly for Paramore and Brand New Eyes does nothing to contradict. The album opens with "Careful" starting right where 2007’s Riot! left off. Hayley's vocals are as powerful as ever and bring that awesome air of chick power to the gent dominated instruments. This opening track is backed by drums that will make your arms tired just from hearing, and set of chords that play on Hayley's emotions perfectly. Her rip-roaring vocals continue in the albums first single "Ignorance." Fighting off conviction the lyrics "Where's your gavel?/Your jury?/What's my offense this time?/You're not a judge/But if you're gonna judge me/Well, sentence me to another life" are sung ruthlessly. The album slows down midway, with a softer more romantic feel. "Turn It Off" begins a set of songs showcasing Paramore's more delicate side. There are still hints of energy in the chorus here thanks to shrill lead guitars. The following song "The Only Exception" is all acoustic. A bittersweet song about a negative upbringing on love, lyrics tell of finding the opposing exception. Beginning with melancholy tones the song wafts into a more spirited outlook as it progresses. "Feeling Sorry" brings the record back to its forcefulness. Full of clashing cymbals, it is one of the most well put together and gripping songs on the album. The story represents "moving on" with a slew of uncontrived and confident vocals fronting the music. The album closes with the beautiful track "All I Wanted" which in a weird way sounds like a pop-emo muse of The Get Up Kids and Lisa Loeb. About a minute into the song, soft tones are broken with loud, simple guitar and bass arrangements. Hayley's as-always strong vocals shine especially on this closing track. Raw emotion fronting the song as she belts through the chorus of "All I wanted was you," and a familiar situation of lyrics "I think I’ll pace my apartment a few times/ And fall asleep on the couch/ And wake up early to black and white reruns/ That escape from my mouth." On their first two albums Paramore had their niche, the uniqueness of Hayley's vocals in the pop/punk scene, especially with the organic energy and adorable punch she brought to the scene. With a backing band of extremely talented musicians full of youthful energy, these Tennessee natives put a mark on the map. On this album you'll be taken through a flood of feeling, from vengeance to rejuvenation. Discover the softer sides of Paramore while also getting your fill of the rock you loved in the first place. PARAMORE on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/paramore |
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