CAMDEN, NJ—After years of drama, pressure, and some growing up, Paramore have finally reached their Self-Titled arena tour, a game changer for the young trio.
With almost a decade of performing under their belts, Paramore proved to be quite the developed act at the Susquehanna Bank Center on Nov. 8. The admirable Hayley Williams displayed stunning control within her wide vocal range, an element of performance she once lacked. Both Taylor York and Jeremy Davis showed a remarkable sense of rhythm, and carried an on-point, tight performance throughout the night. Their display on lead and bass guitar showcased the talent of the two prevailing male members. With all of this having been said regarding the band’s expansion, it was exceptionally fitting for the group to open with the third song off of their 2013 self-titled album, “Grow Up.”
While Paramore performed a plethora of songs from the new album, they also performed a variety of hits from their 2007 sophomore release, Riot!, including “That’s What You Get,” “Crushcrushcrush” and “Misery Business.” Following tradition, Williams brought an adoring fan up on stage to sing the last chorus of “Misery Business” with her.
One of the numerous surprises at the Camden show took place during “Ain’t It Fun.” Toward the end of the eclectic song, an animated local high school choir was brought on stage to sing soulful backup vocals with the trio. The young boys and girls were dressed in customized red robes, complete with the band’s three-bar symbol on the front corner. More treats for the audience included Aaron Gillespie, frontman of The Almost, on drums for the tour; Jon Howard, songwriter and producer, on backing piano, guitar and vocals; and Justin York, brother of Paramore’s lead guitarist, on backup vocals and guitar.
The group exuded explosive energy, infecting everyone from the pulsing pit crowd to those seated in the last rows. Even parents who had come out with their children were brought to life through the band’s passionate, energetic and awe-inspiring performance. Despite all the running around, head-banging, jumping and belting all at once, Williams never seemed to miss a beat. The 24-year-old had her role on stage down and had perfected living up to the expectation of being Paramore’s electric frontwoman.
At the end of the show, balloons with the trio’s symbol and orange butterfly confetti fell over the near 7,000-person audience, leaving tired feet masked in butterflies. By the end of the night, the band left a lasting impression as an act that can be easily appreciated by all ages and all music tastes.
