Tonight, I am here for one ground and one cause only; to rekindle my lost love for Paramore.I have been an adorer of theirs since my ears first heard Misery Business off their second studio album Riot.Haley Williams energetic, upbeat pop-punk vocals are an often, much needed modification to the usual deathly screaming my ears have become customary to.
aving never had the opportunity to see them play live, I was quick to deal any of my vital organs just to catch a fine for this years Leeds festival; especially when I heard they would be appearing before the legendary reformed Blink 182.After Haley, Josh, Zac and the mob had left the present at Leeds festival I felt more angered than the time ex Take That members must have exhausted all their savings and decided to reform. OK, maybe not that infuriated, but pretty damn close.I have several people to thank for this: the sound technician who seemed to have mislaid the volume control, Mother Nature and her cruel desire to gain the wind machine and myself for not squeezing right to face and cementing my ears to the speakers.Sadly, their set at Leeds left me down like a child whod asked Santa for an Xbox 360 only to have a MegaDrive instead.So when I had the opportunity to see them perform live a bit time, in the confines of an indoor arena no less, I literally leaped at the chance - after all, life is all about second chances.So, here I am seated in this extravagant Manchester indoor area with my expectations higher than a stoner on payday.I may not be able to push my way to the face this time but on the plus, Mother Nature has no way of screwing this one up for me.First up is Fun; an American indie pop band who should be held liable for false advertisement.I feel myself more entertained watching audience members struggling to see their seats.My attention peaks slightly during their interpretation of Queens Radio Ga Ga; not because its good but because no band should always undertake to address any one of Queens grandiose tracks - this is simply plain sacrilege.Next up is B.o.B who receives a rapturous welcome often only reserved for the headlining act.Rushing onto the point during what seems like a WWE wrestling introduction, B.o.B is a pleasant surprise.What first appears to be nothing more than another hip hop clone quickly evolves into something much more composite and compelling.His interesting mash-up of indie rock and rap creates an intriguing sound and one the crowd appear to fully appreciate.For me, the highlight of his generous set occurs when Paramore vocalist Haley Williams makes an early appearance to do a stunning rendition of their popular chart track Airplanes.
As the lights fade and the huge curtain hiding the big stage drops to the floor, Paramore, who are bathed in the brightest light are only revealed once our eyes become accustomed to the change.The overpowering admiration from the gang is loud enough to swim out early moments of energetic opening track Ignorance.Haley darts around the point like a material life, pink haired, energizer bunny, powered by weapons-grade plutonium.Her youthful, playful energy is a joy to behold but after second track Feeling Sorry Im left feeling slightly conflicted.On the one hand its capital to see their use on stage, but on the other hand Haleys gasping vocals arent as clearly as previously hoped.Her petite form and constant dynamism seems to strike the lucidity of her vocals.That disappointment felt after their set at Leeds strikes me like searing toothache and at this moment my spirit sinks.Some of you may have seen us at Leeds?This is leaving to be much better announces Haley to the screaming crowd.So far Im not convinced but the point has but just begun and on this assertion Im willing to reevaluate my judgment and rub the slate clean; after all, third times a trance so they say.
Several tracks later including For A Pessimist, Im Pretty Optimistic, Playing God and the mature soundingDecode, Im starting to believe Haleys earlier declaration.As the bright lights extinguish to one sole spotlight focussed at the border of the stage, Haleys vocals finally become clear during a beautifully simple rendering of Let This Go.In this one significant moment their entire Leeds performance and earlier introduction are forgotten faster than the store of where I parked the car.Once this haunting track has over the lights reignite and a relaxed acoustic live lounge setting is presented at the eye of the stage.A comfortable couch, several stools and a simplified drum kit are a welcome addition to the previously dynamic set.Once the group get decidedly comfy what follows is an acoustic reading of heartfelt ballad When It Rains which is performed with pitch perfect precision.Sadly, this mid part of the show overstays its welcome more than a Sunday morning hangover, as more idle chitchat ensues before a further two slow-paced songs.Their voice has never been better but at the exorbitant cost of attention-seizing momentum.Had this piece of the record taken office in a lots more intimate setting it would have been simply heart melting; instead, after what must have been more than a songs worth of futile chatter Im finding it difficult not to see my mobile to save myself entertained.
I much enjoy seeing a band take time to pursue their audience but when that one way conversation results in a much smaller track list, I cant help but feel slightly cheated.At the end of Misguided Ghosts the stage disappears into shadow as the acoustic setting is removed.What follows is a further four, high energetic, no nonsense, catchy songs and still more unwanted chat before the actual encore ensues.A comparatively large mosh pit (yes, this isnt a typoan actual mosh pitat a Paramore gig! widens to turn a full fledged circle pit, fuelled by a grouping of pint sized youths who are most likely excited about existence at their first live gig.Before Paramore return and split into Brick By Boring Brick these small inexperienced adolescents had already kicked off the circle pit prematurely.Luckily, the balance of the crowd explode with precision timing and let never been more vocal then when singing in unison to the ridiculously catchy chorus of finale Misery Business.To end the appearance on a high, Haley welcomes on represent a great grouping of dedicated front row fansall of whom are dressed as the notoriously slippery character Wally from the relatively pointless series of childrens books Wheres Wally - or as he is known in America 'Where's Waldo.'A night these adoring fans will most probably never forget.For everyone else sadly, this will not be the case.
I much enjoy seeing a band take time to pursue their audience but when that one way conversation results in a much smaller track list, I cant help but feel slightly cheated.
Thankfully, Paramore delivered on their earlier verbal agreement as tonights performance was (shaky start aside) certainly much better than their Leeds counterpart.Sadly though, earlier mixed vocals and way too much needless converse spoilt what could have been a truly memorable show.Have they done plenty to recover my affection?I suppose so, but only just.
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