Rating: NNN
In England, Paramore sell out Wembley Arena in a day. Here, they fly fairly low on the radar unless you reside in Teenland. The emo-rock Tennesseans, fronted by 20-year-old Hayley Williams, breathe life into a genre made stale by whiny, self-satisfied Fall Out bands. She certainly makes a more commendable role model for teens than pathetic fame whores like Pete Wentz.
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Williams leads the five-piece throughout this charged-up record that rarely comes up for air. In a surging voice that never pinches or slurs, she sings about hypocrisy, media manipulation and the band’s near-collapse after their breakout 2007 album. Meanwhile, producer Rob Calvallo (Green Day) again proves he’s the best in the game when it comes to modern punk for the masses.
Top track: Looking Up
Paramore play Kool Haus tonight (Thursday, October 15).