REVIEW: Paramore - RIOT! + music video for "Decode"
Paramore is a song-writing team with vocalist Hayley Williams, who conjures Avril Lavigne assertiveness in surprising semblance to her conversational phrasing. "Singing the way we talk" is a North American knack. Harder tracks pelt Bif Naked emotion into the room! There's a sweetness to Hayley, who also sings gentle melodies comfortably. RIOT! grabs us with mod-edged "For A Pessimist, I'm Pretty Optimistic". "That's What You Get" narrowly escapes 'typical radio vibe', with intriguing 80's bass lines and richly harmonized refrains. Commonplace mid-tempo and 'make it last forever' lyrics are unexpected in "Hallelujah", which infers majestic emotion. "Misery Business" bounces back with cool rhythm and low tones. Background vocals of the bridge segue nicely. Paramore really gathers inspiration in fine details. Choruses are the weak link. Single-strum staccato is overly characteristic of alt rock. Openings are their gift: unique guitar echoes of "When It Rains", instrumentation of "Let The Flames Begin". Poignant minors tie it up perfectly. "Miracle" lyrics tell a sharp story with cohesive timing and passionate delivery. Impressive intro, vocalization, and haunting nuances make "CrushCrushCrush" a hit! Paramore changes up elements in complex ways we can't figure out before the song ends! Remarkable piece of work. "We Are Broken" feeds well-varied influences with refreshing piano. Old-style "Fences" stands out on this album. Great drumming is the "Born For This" centerpiece, its fast pace sparking the players. Paramore has talent, if they develop original choruses and keep drawing from their melodic variety. Review by: Carolyn M. Riedel * * * * * Paramore - "Decode" from the Twilight movie soundtrack: Don't forget to enter our Paramore Prize Pack contest! |