Paramore alters sound with new identity
With a fresh lineup and new sound, the alternative rock band Paramore is set to release their self-titled album featuring the new single “Now,” which debuted on MTV.com Feb. 11.
Their fourth studio album is due to hit iTunes and stores on April 9. The band has also announced spring tour dates with a concert scheduled in Atlantic City on April 30.
Yet, the biggest news may come from the band’s choice to self-title the upcoming album. Clearly, this seems like an attempt from the band to help reestablish themselves after a recent shakeup.
“I was expecting a much different title for the band’s new album. I was anticipating that the title would be more reflective of their new image,” Ed Penczak, 21, business major said.
Believe it or not, the trio actually used to be a quintet including Hayley Williams, Josh Farro,Zac Farro, Jeremy Davis and Taylor York.
After their 2011 South American tour it was announced that brothers Zac and Josh Farro were departing from the band. Newly married Josh wanted to focus on starting a family, while Zac had his own personal reasons for exploring a life without the band.
“Paramore will never be the same to me without the Farros,” Melissa Hirst, 22, communications major said.
Clearly, there were some fans that were not as accepting of the two founding members departure.
Now that Paramore has reinvented themselves as a group, it would only seem fitting for the band to alter their sound as well. Perhaps Paramore’s new identity will enable them to reach out and expand their fan base.
With a new vibe, heavier guitars and cutting edge vocals, the meaning behind the video for “Now” takes on a more cryptic view of the band’s creativity. This is not to say that Paramore has never explored dark themes for their videos in the past, but the video for “Now” gives fans a more in depth look of their new style.
The song begins with lead singer Hayley Williams looking somewhat alien-like. As the video progresses, it is clear that the trio, Williams, Davis, and York, are a part of some sort of tribe against dark forces. As the battle in the video intensifies, it takes an unexpected turn when the violence suddenly comes to a halt.
“I really like the message behind it. I think it is much stronger and more meaningful than Paramore’s earlier videos,” said Penczak in regards to the video.
As expected, listeners have a variety of opinions when it comes to the multiple changes Paramore has made with their music. However, fans may be best served to hold their judgments until after viewing the altered lineup live this spring.