Paramore @ Brisbane's Entertainment Centre
WHY PARAMORE REMAINS UNDENIABLY RELEVANT IN AN AGE OF MUSICAL METAMORPHOSIS.
Review by Dayna West / Photos by Zachary Gray
In a kaleidoscopic fusion of genres and boundless energy, Remi Wolf took the stage, leaving the audience at BEC utterly captivated. The night unfolded as a sonic journey through her eclectic discography, showcasing her unique musical prowess - a pure talent with a fun band to back.
Wolf's vocal range and versatility are nothing short of impressive. Whether delivering soulful ballads or infusing funk and pop into her performance, she effortlessly traversed musical landscapes. The crowd was entranced, swaying to the rhythm and eagerly hanging on to every note.
From sexy c*nty villain to synchronized bouncing - Remi is a natural born performer with a voice of soul and strength. Their energy was the perfect tone-setter for a modern Paramore show.
In a highly-anticipated return to the shores of Australia, Paramore seized control of Brisbane's Entertainment Centre on the night of November 22nd.
The stage, cloaked in darkness, introduced a glowing white ball projecting onto a flickering screen, setting an enigmatic tone. A haunting spoken word recording of Hayley's voice, reverberating lowly around the expansive arena, initiated the experience with the ethereal phrase, "Grey area." The atmosphere crackled with anticipation.
The musical odyssey commenced with the energetic anthem 'You First,' a 2023 gem exploring the intricacies of karma and the fervent desire for equilibrium. Hayley Williams, a commanding presence, required no warm-up. Paramore, a seamlessly synchronised machine, unleashed their musical artillery, armed with an arsenal of 700 guitars, embodying the indomitable spirit of David Byrne. The stage was ablaze with flares and a lighting spectacle within the first three minutes of their epic two-hour set, signaling a Paramore experience that transcended all expectations. They weren't just back; they were colossal.
As a seasoned fan with a tapestry of Paramore shows woven into my life, the grandeur of 'This Is Why' and its impact over the past year took me by surprise. The sea of hands proclaiming their maiden Paramore voyage underscored the band's continual ability to captivate new audiences while seamlessly morphing their sonic identity. It was a testament to their enduring authenticity, a hallmark cherished by lifelong devotees.
Amid the global disarray, Hayley Williams, a maestro of emotions, took a poignant pause to address the collective fears and anxieties fueled by a world in crisis. 'The News,' a follow-up single to 'This is Why,' dropped earlier in the year, and its introduction was a perfect blend of gravitas and shared panic, all delivered in the distinct tones of Paramore. It became a cathartic moment, a collective scream about the tumultuous news cycle.
The setlist, a rich tapestry of emotions, traversed the riotous classic 'That's What You Get' to the surprising and stunning 'Playing God,' a hidden gem from the 'Brand New Eyes' era. 'Caught in the Middle' and 'Rose-Colored Boy' ushered in a visual metamorphosis, unveiling an elaborate retro-futuristic lighting rig that slowly descended from the ceiling, enveloping the group in an intimate 80s mall vibe reminiscent of the 'After Laughter Era.'
Hayley's stamina, consistently awe-inspiring, reached a celestial pinnacle on this night. A performance quality she long held the title of - the 'stamina queen' - was elevated to an otherworldly level. Two hours of unwavering energy, flawless vocals, and Hayley barely breaking a sweat, she seemed to have broken through to another dimension, radiating a superstar aura brighter than ever before.
The tonal shift arrived with 'Liar' and 'Crystal Clear,' prompting an emotional left turn. An isolated stage, perched above the drum kit, levitated the trio - Hayley, Taylor, and Zac - delivering an intimate and raw performance. Stripped of excess instrumentation, it unveiled the depths of Hayley's voice, a perfect balance of vulnerability, intimacy, and delicacy.
The main stage reset, and Williams reemerged at the center, wielding her microphone with an electrifying presence. "Are you ready to rock?” she exclaimed, instantly evoking thoughts of School of Rock and a mental echo of 'shnee-blay.' 'Hard Times' and the new track 'Figure 8' catapulted us from the intimate shell back into the angst. 'Figure 8,' a vocal standout, showcased Hayley's prowess, a dynamic and clever example of her vocal strength.
A surprise treat emerged in the setlist with 'The Only Exception,' a track notably absent from previous shows. The performance exceeded expectations, bathed in soft, bright lighting that epitomized a dreamy atmosphere, sparklers accentuating the beauty of this tender love song. It invoked a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the 2008 era.
'Crave' followed, a buoyant and reinvented Paramore nostalgia track, eliciting screams from the crowd that signaled its near-perfect reception. The band was onto something special, and this show would forever be associated with the echoes of 'Crave.'
Zac Farro took center stage, Hayley strumming an acoustic guitar beside him. The Half-Noise track 'Baby' injected a dance transition, reigniting the groove and emphasizing that Paramore is not confined to the traditional rock genre. It was an exciting witnessing of the band's development and evolution, showcased through the carefully curated song choices and set design. The Half-Noise track, implemented in their 2017 'After Laughter' tours, celebrated Zac Farro's return as an official member after a six-year absence, seamlessly blending into the big band/big dance vibe.
The climax of every Paramore show, eagerly anticipated by die-hard fans, is the infamous 'Misery Business' sing-along. The band's most popular 2007 track, once shunned due to its perceived 'sexist' lyricism, was revived with a lucky fan, Stephen, from Columbia. His heartfelt rendition created a touching and unforgettable moment, particularly poignant considering Stephen's journey from Columbia to Brisbane. After a crowd chant for Stephen, Paramore wasted no time diving into the Grammy Award-winning hit 'Ain't It Fun.' The boisterous energy and soul pouring out of Hayley during this track never ceased to amaze.
The encore commenced with a video montage, a visual journey through BTS footage, voice memos, and unseen photoshoot clips spanning the 'This is Why' era. It was a sentimental touch to an already emotive night, a testament to the band's enduring friendship, journey, and career.
The closing tracks, 'Still into You' and 'This is Why,' served as the grand finale for the 'This is Why' tour in 2023. It encapsulated the essence of why Paramore remains at the zenith of their game, delivering a musical experience that transcends time and resonates with fans on a profound level.
