Paramore at Islington Academy: that security guy sure doesn't seem impressed

Paramore @ Islington Academy
7th September

It’s hard to believe that people want to see four guys, one gal, from Tennessee so much that they’d pay in their hundreds to do it. But that’s how much tickets for this show went for on eBay. A little gutting for those that shelled out, as everyone was asked for ID on the door.

Things have changed for Paramore – three years ago, a nervous little redhead with a determined but not quite fully developed voice strained to make an impression on a mixed crowd in this very venue. Tonight, the crowd is full of nervous little redheads just like Hayley Williams, dress, etiquette, demeanour and passion matching if not exceeding hers. You can’t put a price on this level of dedication.

Things are really rolling for the group, after penning the lead track for the hit movie Twilight last year, there are strong whispers that brand new eyes, their third album to be released later this month, will break them into the real mainstream. We’re talking billboards and TV ads and chart positions mainstream. Pretty scary stuff for five kids under the age of 25.

When Paramore grace the stage tonight the reaction is deafening, the screaming is so unimaginably loud and continues through the first few tracks, which includes fan favourite ‘Misery Business’. Williams is lost in the crowd’s cheering, screaming and singing. Suddenly she seems as small and delicate as she was three years ago.
And then it hits us. ‘Ignorance’, the new single from brand new eyes, is performed with such a fervent urgency that they have never nailed live so well before. It sounds huge.

Paramore – Ignorance (live at Islington Academy)

“Without you we wouldn’t be here,� Williams says, glowing with accomplishment at the dedicated crowd before her. They treat us to a rarely performed rendition of old favourite ‘Conspiracy’ and three more new tracks, all of which showcase Hayley’s more mature and concise vocal range and the band’s clear ability to pen really cracking pop songs.

They also perform a cover of French band Phoenix’s track ‘Long Distance Call’, which is appreciated despite its laidback vibe.

“We’re coming back here to play Wembley in December, I can’t believe it,� Williams gushes with a nervous laugh. Tonight has proved that she’s got a huge voice that, matched with the rest of the band, produces a breathtaking live sound; she’s really got nothing to be nervous about anymore.

brand new eyes is released on 28th September via Atlantic Records / Fueled By Ramen

By Cathy Reay