Album Review: Paramore - Paramore

With the departure of the Farro brothers, there has been a lot of uncertainty surrounding the future of Paramore. While that uncertainty had started to take a toll on the band, the announcement that a fourth album was in the works came with the promise of a giant step forward for the trio. Decidedly self-titled for this very purpose, Paramore are undoubtedly rediscovering themselves, and the variety that spans over the 17 tracks that make up their latest release proves exactly that.

The release of Brand New Eyes was nearly four years ago. It's no surprise that Paramore's self-titled album is so far removed from the aforementioned record (what with the combination of time and turmoil), but the extent to which they have grown is staggering. In reinventing themselves, Paramore have done a lot of experimentation with their sound and the result sees them exploring new territories not previously touched on by the characteristically pop-punk outfit, from the addition of synthesizers to a series of stripped-back ukulele interludes.

Fast In My Car offers that first taste of the “new” Paramore. All the usual confidence that Williams exerts is amplified tenfold. In complete contrast to the dynamism of the album's opener, Future – a chilling post-rock track – wraps things up and serves as a testament to the band's new-found range.

Paramore's self-titled is exactly as the band predicted it would be. Williams, Jeremy Davis and Taylor York have taken all their hardships on the chin and come out better for it with an album that exhibits just how versatile a band they can be.