As a band, it is always risky taking an extended break and even moreso when that ‘break’ is influenced by fractured relationships and sheer exhaustion. The plus side of this, is that it is a time to reflect, grow and recoup. The problem with this, however, is that during this time off, fans also grow. Their tastes change and despite how much they tell themselves they are still the same person they were six years ago, this is hardly the case. So with that, it is most unfortunate for this ‘old school’ Paramore fan to admit, that the new album is a bit of a let down.
Unreflective of their usual opening track, ‘Fast In My Car’, is not as fast or action packed as the title may suggest. The general characteristics of previous album openers, can only be described as ‘musical bulls at a gate’. They’re edgy, powerful, big and set the bar exceptionally high and ‘Fast In My Car’, simply does not continue this tradition. It is bouncy, poppy and very radio friendly.
Fast forward to the seventh track and we finally hear a song that reflects the band’s trademark sound. ‘Part II’ is the first song to incorporate that powerful Paramore-esque ‘oomph’ – big chorus’, edgy vocals, sweeping guitars and an atmospheric bridge immediately followed by the inclusion of the widely popular Monster Outro. An obvious follow-on from the incredibly powerful ‘Let The Flames Begin’, ‘Part II’ holds very similar characteristics of its predecessor and will no doubt follow such in the live domain. With that being said, ‘Part II’, at least for this reviewer, is the stand out track on this unfortunately underwhelming album.
Alongside ‘Part II’, there is a handful of other songs that genuinely reaffirm my love for the band. ‘Daydreaming’, ‘Ain’t It Fun’, ‘Anklebiters’, ‘Be Alone’ and ‘Future’ all have undertones of previous tracks such as ‘Conspiracy’, ‘All I Wanted’, ‘Let This Go’ and ‘Whoa’. They each have components that will translate well to that stage and will no doubt stir some enthusiastic crowd dancing, headbanging and chanting. However, when one realises that out of a whopping seventeen track album they can only really find true love for six songs, the disappointment tends to set back in.
It would seem Paramore have tried to somewhat distinguish themselves from their former identity – whether by choice or out of a deliberate act to cleanse the past, it doesn’t seemed to have worked exceptionally well in their favour. Perhaps I am being stubborn? Maybe I have just grown up, or maybe I need more time before it grows on me? Whatever the case is, this is an album that is going to challenge fans, win fans and lose fans. So before you listen, make sure you have an hour spare – this is an album that needs to be listened to, beginning to end, for you to really make your mind up.
Atlantic / Warner
6/10
Reviewre: Ashlee Kellehear