Review: Paramore, Perth 2014

As published by Nova nationally: https://goo.gl/3GiJKt

It was a paranormal experience for the thousands of punters who flocked to the award-winning Perth Arena for the triumphant return of pop punk outfit Paramore.

Two-piece Twenty One Pilots had their crowd warmers on, wearing facemasks of sorts (alien and balaclavas); consisting of a drummer and a multi-talented piano-playing, singing, rapping counterpart, the young lads hollered tunes ‘Holding Onto You’ and ‘Car Radio’.

UK rock lads You Me At Six exhibited the self-assurance of seasoned performers. Charmer Joshua Franchesci cavorted his tall, dark and handsome frame as he belted ever-popular ditty ‘Stay With Me’, boasting the upcoming release of their new album Cavalier Youth.

The time of abduction had come. The crowd was anxious and energised to be probed and examined under the lights of the almighty Paramore. As a synth loop filled the air, the large black curtain in front of the stage fell to reveal three white-lit panels with the silhouettes of Jeremy Davis, Hayley Williams and Taylor York in full view.

Making a bold statement about the condition of the band and their journey over the past couple of years, the show blasted open with ‘Grow Up’, briskly dismissing any scepticism that the group had been tarnished by the recent departure of two beloved band members.

Over 90 minutes, an array of songs including ‘That’s What You Get’, ‘Crushcrushcrush’, ‘Brick By Boring Brick’ and ‘Misery Business’ kept all bouncing.

Williams lit up the arena with her electrifying orange hair and dazzling stage presence. Lashing her head, thrusting her hips, waving her arms and booming her voice, this woman is one to be reckoned with.

Bassist Davis is a smooth operator, claiming stage right, slapping the body of his bass and loving the attention. Sprained ankle-bearing guitarist York exudes a silently confident persona and boy can he ride a mean guitar. Whether it’s his black Fender, brown Gretsch, little ukulele or an acoustic, this man knows what to do with his fingers to make the ladies squeal.

Gold hit ‘Ain’t It Fun’ was an audacious highlight. As the number peaked to the bridge, Paramore was accompanied by a 12-piece gospel choir from Metrochurch. Garnished in red silk church robes, the vocalists swayed and clapped while exclaiming “Don’t go crying to your mumma, cause you’re on your own in the real world!” It was a dance party of the worship sort.

Closing their Australian tour in Perth, the finale number, ‘Still Into You’, had joyful but nostalgic undertones. Yellow and blue balloons and copious amounts of red confetti filled the arena to celebrate another accomplished tour from the revived and upward bound Paramore.