Paramore- More than Just Pop Punk
March 9th, 2011
There’s been a recent deluge in Paramore merch. That’s thanks largely to the band’s involvement in the hit teen movie, Twilight. The soundtrack for the movie feature’s the group’s Decode and I Caught Myself. For certain though, with the level of passion that the band pours into its work, its members would mostly likely take offense at being labeled merely as that band that played for Twilight.
The group’s sound is primarily grouped under either emo or pop punk. This is almost ironic considering that the group has shown signs of veering away from the traditions of pop punk that previous artists like Avril Lavigne have established. There is no shallow angst in the band’s music. In some tracks, there are indications of enthusiasm, albeit a bit moving and confrontational.
Some critics see the band’s sound as mature. This is a surprise since the members of the group have not entirely been able to break free of their youngish image. Of course, the members are now of age but they started making music when they were barely adolescents. Before hot selling Paramore albums came about, the young members just played for fun. Hayley Williams on lead vocals was just 14 but Zac Farro on drums was even younger at 12. The members that first completed the group included Jason Bynum of rhythm guitar, Jeremy Davis on bass, and Josh Farro on lead guitars. Williams was to be the only female in the group and although her gender was a bit of a minor issue, she has not been removed from vocals ever since.
The group’s debut album All We Know is Falling was released in 2005. For a first release, the album’s theme is unusual. The work was inspired by what the members felt when Jeremy Davis left. The album is therefore deeply emotional but is at the same time close to conventional pop punk. Despite being close to what people would expect from pop punk though, the album failed to generate tremendous success for the group. Later in the year, Davis returned but Bynum was replaced by Hunter Lamb who also later left.
In 2007, the prospect of more Paramore albums rolling out became obvious. Riot! was released this year and saw a good start with its entry into the Billboard 200 at number 20. Although the album saw a modest start, it did reach platinum status in the US. With the exit of Lamb, rhythm guitar duties were performed by Taylor York. From then on, Paramore was clearly on an upward movement.
There was more in store for the group in 2008. They took center stage on Alternative Press’ February cover after they were voted 2007’s best band by readers. To top this recognition, they were nominated for a Grammy Award. Shortly after this, they launched their first tour called The Final Riot. By the end of it, two of their songs were already in the Twilight soundtrack. In September 2009, Brand New Eyes was released. It is the group’s most successful work in the charts to date.
You can only expect to find more Paramore merchandise like music clothing in the coming months. Although the group has been bombarded by conflict issues, it is clear that they will be around to stay.
Categories: Music and Gadget
