REVIEW: Paramore Storm Birmingham LG Arena

Monday 23rd September 2013 – Paramore @ Birmingham LG Arena

Paramore have come a hell of a long way since they last stormed Birmingham’s LG Arena back in 2010. Having shed two of their founding core members, the Farro brothers, amidst significant controversy, the band have come back stronger and revitalised as a trio with their eponymous fourth album – a scintillating musical tour-de-force diverse in its musical scope and brilliance.

Returning to British shores once again, tonight Paramore are here to prove that they’re a reinvigorated live force too. Thankfully they never waver in their magnificence from the very moment the floor violently vibrates as the ‘Grow Up’ riff erupts and the black curtain drops. “Birmingham!” flame-haired Hayley Williams screams, as she stands on a monitor, centre stage, “we’ve got a long night in store!”

The energy from the band is unbelievable as they power through popular hits such as ‘That’s What You Get’, ‘Now’ and the irrefutable classic ‘Pressure’. Tonight the explosive atmosphere is shared both on and off stage. As green lasers stream into the audience, the trio run around as though possessed by the music; climbing over amps, doing high kicks and head banging in time with each other.

Their fans reflect this hyperactive attitude, hanging on the band’s every word, as they raise their arms to the stage and dance with their idols. “I want to see everyone moving,” yells Hayley. As fan-favourite ‘Crushcrushcrush’ begins to play everyone obeys her request; some people in the centre of the crowd even do the Macarena.

Alongside being loud and vibrant, the band also have more intimate and stripped back numbers. As an acoustic guitar is placed into York’s hand, the lights dim for the love song, ‘The Only Exception’. Camera phones illuminate the dark venue, looking like stars in the night’s sky as Williams powerfully exposes her pitch perfect vocals.

Paramore’s surprising ukulele intervals help to break up the evening and give them and their fans a quick chance for a breather. These jolly, short numbers give a new slant on Hawaiian music.

As the night rages on, a fan’s dream comes true as Laurais pulled from the audience and onto the stage to help sing ‘Misery Business’ with the band. When asked how she feels, the girl replies, ‘Like I’m going to die!’ as she jumps around.

Paramore finish on a high with an triumphant rendition of their latest single ‘Still into You’, before walking to the front of the stage and bowing to their audience as confetti flies into the air.

Despite the dizzy peaks and dark troughs the band have been through the past few years, tonight has shown there is an electric chemistry between Hayley, Jeremy and Taylor and their performance is stronger than ever. A truly awesome live spectacle.

Words: Sophie Sparham