Tuesday 22 January 2013

Paramore - Now



Now is the first track to be taken from Paramore’s upcoming fourth album, the first since the departure of Josh and Zac Farro which threatened to derail the band.  The lyrics won’t be lost on fans: “Lost the battle / Won the war / Bringing my sinking ship back to the shore”.

Paramore haven’t strayed too far from their pop-punk rock aesthetic.  The chorus of “If there’s a future we want it now” is as anthemic as they’ve ever produced.  But there’s a new sense of urgency here, as if Williams and co have a point to prove – the bass and drums offering real drive alongside Williams’ speech-song delivery.  There’s even a slight ska feel, particularly in the middle eight. 

Now is an appropriate single for the band’s return at this point in time – a brash return to form as they fight for a piece of the chart action.  It doesn’t quite rank with the best of their output, but it’s an obvious clean slate in preparation for the forthcoming, self-titled album.

3/5

Listen: Now is available...erm...now, with album 'Paramore' released on April 9th.