Paramore concert review
By Steven Cayer, Senior Columnist
5/5
What does pure awesomeness sound like? I am happy to report that I have found the answer: Paramore.
It’s been two long years since we’ve heard new music from the alternative pop/punk band—primarily because of the departure of two members—but last April they released their fourth self-titled studio album, Paramore.
When it came out, I just knew Paramore would be doing a brand new tour sometime in the future. And that time finally came on October 16.
Paramore rocked out in the Vancouver PNE Forum, a venue they changed to a week before the show. At their original venue, the Pacific Coliseum, they had some production difficulties and had to move. At first, I was sceptical about the changed venue, but I thought I might just go and see what happened.
They definitely made the right choice. The Forum provides a sense of closeness between the audience and the performers—no binoculars required. I was maybe 20 feet from the stage.
The one problem with the venue was the sound. During the two opening bands, HelloGoodbye and Classified, the sound was just terrible. The bass made me shift in my seat every time it thundered around the floor. I also couldn’t understand the vocalists the entire time they were on. That being said, both bands had enough energy to power the entire room and then some.
I’ll always remember the moment when Paramore came on stage.
The curtain that I had thought was the back wall of the room suddenly fell down and the entire band came rushing in to their hit song, “Grow Up.”
I’m surprised I didn’t go deaf. I was also happy they fixed the sound.
The band then played most of the songs from their new album including their two hit singles, “Now” and “Still Into You.”
The best part about the songs from their new album is that every one is memorable. There’s always that one line that everybody remembers. You know how it is, memories are forever.
Paramore also peppered in some classic hits like “Crushcrushcrush,” “Brick by Boring Brick,” “That’s What You Get,” and “Misery Business.” They even sang a little of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” to show us their influences and to show off Hayley Williams’ vocal chops.
It was a night to remember with music to never forget.
