New Waves.. Sky Ferreira - 'You're Not The One'

I unexpectedly came across this as I was getting ready for uni this morning and had to post it!

It feels like an absolute age has passed since '80's enthused pop nugget 'Everything Is Embarrassing' first appeared on cyberspace over a year ago. Similarly '80's influenced, 'You're Not The One' is far more punchy in comparison to its dolefully chilled predecessor, accented with punchy synths and a brash guitar, with Ferreira's crying vocals stating that her current love interest is, indeed, not the one she needs to be with. Also, Ferreira's vocals are easily the strongest she has displayed on any of her singles yet, and this brilliant pop song bodes well for whatever her forthcoming debut album (finally!) has to offer.

Ferreira's debut album, Night Time, My Time is to be released October 29th.

http://skyferreira.tumblr.com
https://twitter.com/skyferreira
https://www.facebook.com/skyferreira
https://soundcloud.com/skyferreira

New Waves.. Charli XCX - 'Superlove'

Ohai, remember me? I used to write blog posts on here on da regz. Now it's somewhat less regz, but that's largely down to my feeling uninspired in regards to some of the music I keep coming across.

But come forth Charli XCX - someone who I can generally count on to make me happy again with her glorious dance-pop songs - and it appears she is on top form! After gaining more worldwide press attention thanks to her both writing and featuring on mega-hit of the summer, 'I Love It', by Swedish duo Icona Pop, Charli has (somehow) managed to find time to begin work on her second album whilst touring here, there and everywhere. The first song to be debuted as the follow-up to her first proper album, True Romance, is the delectable 'Superlove'; it is instantly loveable, of similar glittering ilk of 'Take My Hand' but much more accessible and sophisticated - by no means a bad thing! - and will no doubt be played on radio airwaves anytime soon. This is straight up pop at its best - so go get hooked!

http://www.charlixcxmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/charlixcxmusic
https://twitter.com/charli_xcx

Interrogation Corner.. Tracer

Oh My Glob! New feature guys!

Yup, I've started taking on interviews for Renowned For Sound! It was something I was a little tentative about, especially as I have been known to be quiet shy in previous years, however this is in the process of being ironed out. Though all that is of little importance in this instance, as due to time difference, this was an email Q+A aha..

I'm fond of Tracer. I was originally introduced to the band by a friend who lent me their first album, Spaces In Between, a few years back. This band love to make rowdy noise and apparently their live show is a riot too. Below I've embedded some of my fave songs, and also their latest single - the title track from their second album, El Pistolero (which is available to buy if you click this shiny link).

Linkylink time, go check the full interview here!

PS. My fave Tracer song is 'Devil Ride' - but you already know that, because you read the interview.... ;)

'El Pistolero' - El Pistolero (2013)

'Too Much' - Spaces In Between (2011)

'Devil Ride' - Spaces In Between (2011)

http://www.tracer-band.com/

https://www.facebook.com/tracer

https://twitter.com/Tracerband

New Waves.. CHVRCHES - 'Gun'

I feel so far behind. I noticed on my newsfeed (Facebook, private) that this - CHVRCHES' Gun EP - was released last Friday. That was definitely sprung upon me, especially as I had never even heard of the song or its impending release (the cave, the cave!).

But anyway, what's important is that I'm listening to it now, and I.M.O it is the best thing that CHVRCHES have released to date. Which is impressive, as I loved their Recover EP when it was released in March (!?), however, 'Gun' ups the ante as they say; it is more immediate, more commanding, though no less sparkling than the electronic alt. pop that the band have become known for. As always, singer Lauren Mayberry's cute voice is on top form, with revenge being a dish best served very cold, it appears, the singer warning 'You better run so, hide, hide - I have burned your bridges; I will be a gun, and it's you I'll come for'.

It's this sort of song that makes me excited for an album - and low and behold, there it one! Their debut album, The Bones Of What You Believe is due September 23rd, pre-order it here (recommended via the band's FB).

If you can't wait that long, you're best off grabbing the Gun EP (remix galore!) here.

Aren't I good to you?

What do you think of 'Gun'? Looking forward to the album? Have Chvrches  hit a sweet spot with their electronic sound?

http://chvrch.es/
https://www.facebook.com/CHVRCHES
https://soundcloud.com/chvrches
https://twitter.com/CHVRCHES
http://chvrches.tumblr.com/

New Waves.. Swim Deep - 'Crush'

Ladies and gents, what is this? A post? An actual post!?

Alas, I am back from the wilderness, and what better way to get us back on good, loving terms than giving you some of the loverly Swim Deep. The "B-Town" (can we just say 'Birmingham/Brum' yet?) band have unveiled the bonus track from their forthcoming debut album, Where The Heaven Are We. I admit, I find myself asking this question of Swim Deep myself, for that album appears to have been pushed back; I'm sure it was due out in June? Ah well, who cares, when we have a new nugget of noise to whet out appetites.

'Crush' is the sort of Swim Deep affair that made us latch onto them in the first place; this isn't the emotional and atmospheric sister of 'She Changes The Weather', this is the slightly awkward adolescent brother squeezed somewhere in between 'King City' and 'Honey' that is attempting to be sultry and vying to get himself noticed. Austin and Co are on top form here, with the singer stating 'Take my breath and make me crush, talk real slow so I won't rush, take me some place I won't wanna be' over an intensifying, glimmering guitar. If this is the bonus track that they're willing to share now, I'm looking forward to the rest of the album!

The bonus track itself is available when you pre-order on iTunes.
Where The Heaven Are We is also available in CD and vinyl direct from the Swim Deep Store.

http://swim-deep.tumblr.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SWIMDEEPUK
https://soundcloud.com/swimdeep

Life Log.. Kinda AWOL

Ah, the glorious wonders of blogging on the run or, as is currently the case, blogging from the creature comforts of my snuggly duvet whilst chillaxing to the Gold Edition of Jessie Ware's Devotion and about to dive into Caitlin Moran's Moranthology. Wild life, is me.

You may have noticed, those supposedly regular and avid readers of this blog (if you exist, let me know, I am eternally grateful!), that there hasn't been much bloggy action on these shores as of late. It's a combination of things, I'm afraid. First of all, I went on holiday with my family to the Cotswalds a few weeks ago (who knew a place could be so expensive!?). Second, soon after, the laptop broke and I've been forced to write on the frustratingly sluggish desktop instead - it's not used for a reason guys! And third, I've been so pinned down with work and trying my hardest to get my Renowned for Sound articles done on time that I've not had time to think about content for this blog, let alone write it. It's not something I'm happy about, but something has to give, I'm afraid. Realistically, regular features won't be happening again until the laptop is fixed, at least; blogging via app may be great for quick updates, but it makes imbedding content next to impossible!

So I'm afraid you'll have to bear with me for now. Hopefully things will straighten out soon!

But for now, here's a happy, furry animal:) 

New Waves.. Caro Emerald - 'Liquid Lunch'

I've always been a bit intrigued by Caro Emerald  since I first came across her music via some TV advert for her 2010 debut album, Deleted Scenes From The Cutting Room Floor. Her retro jazz appealed to the unpursued penchant for the genre, however I failed to indulge once again.

However, the fact that her second album - The Shocking Miss Emerald - managed to crashland at the top of the UK charts earlier this year did not pass my notice, and after catching her appearance on Jools Holland, I snapped up the chance to review her latest single, 'Liquid Lunch' for Renowned For Sound.

It really is a treat, combining sassy jazz and swing with surprisingly witty lyrics, I was hooked from the get go. Read what else I had to say here :)

http://www.caroemerald.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CaroEmeraldOfficial

https://twitter.com/caroemerald

Rapid Review.. The Lonely Island - 'The Wack Album'

I'm alive! Returned to the real world; I seriously feel as if I've been living in an alternate universe this past week (holiday). No internet! Sporadic phone signal! A house in the woods! It was oddly strained to say the least, but at the same time nice to detach myself from the almost constant bombardment of instant information we have access to these days. It was like life before smart phones - when we all actually had lives!

Whilst one holiday, I managed to honour my reviewing commitments, dedicated lass that I am! That said, I sort of feel that this blog has been a little neglected as of late, especially as I was doing so well with posting (almost) every day - BOO.

Here's the first of my reviews this week for Renowned For Sound.com, my album of choice being The Lonely Island's latest offspring. You know The Lonely Island - just think 'Motherlover', 'The Creep', 'I'm On A Boat' or - my personal fave - 'Jack Sparrow'. I was so excited to get this album, entirely based on their previous hits, I hadn't heard a single thing from their new album. Unfortunately, I was a tad disappointed, read my review to find out why :)

http://www.thelonelyisland.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thelonelyisland

https://twitter.com/thelonelyisland

Rapid Review.. CSS - 'Planta'

Most may recall Brazilian band CSS from their neon 'Nu-Rave' circa 2007. Come 2013 and they've had a bit of a musical makeover, with a far more mature and experimental album. If nothing else were to peak your interest, they even co-wrote with Rancid's Tim Armstrong, something that I myself certainly was not expecting.

The band are certainly as quirky as ever, (though with far less neon) incorporating bizarre sounds and questionable lyrics to create an interesting album. Click here to read the full review on Renowned For Sound.

http://www.csssuxxx.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CSSSUXXX

New Waves.. Kate Nash - 'OMYGOD!'

Almost a month a go I found a preview of this video and wanted to write a post, but to my utter frustration it was only available in America, grr! Anyway, the fact that you're now reading this means that this is is obviously no longer the case, therefore I present you with 'OMYGOD!' by Kate Nash!

Over the past year, my opinion of Kate Nash has undergone a bit of a renovation, along with her sound. Gone are the days of plinky plonk piano of 'Mouthwash' and in is the gritty sound first displayed in 2012's surprise release of 'Under-Estimate The Girl', however - despite the change in direction - the acerbic wit of 'Foundations' era Nash is most definitely still present. Her current album, Girl Talk, carries a lot of new wave influences and is easily her best effort yet, and 'OMYGOD!' follows suit. 

As the second single taken from Girl Talk, 'OMYGOD!' is an accessible radio friendly hit, which is by no means a bad thing. The song appears to discuss missing someone even though the relationship has ended, with the tempo of the song swinging like a pendulum between the plodding verse and energetic chorus. An unfortunate and often aggravating side-effect of the internet press for me is the invasion of privacy of notable relationships of musicians given coverage by the press. One such relationship was that of Nash and The Cribs' Ryan Jarman, and as a result I can't help but read into the lyrics of songs such as this, ultimately presuming that this was written about said ex. Such invasions of privacy are highly frustrating in the listening of subsequent music, though by no means as frustrating as for the people involved. Damn the Internet!

Anyway, if you've yet to hear Nash's new album, give 'OMYGOD!' a listen. I currently can't find a release date for the single, however the album is available in different mediums and downloadable via iTunes, Amazon and GooglePlay.

Nash is touring the UK in the autumn (click here for tickets) , with dates in Norwich, Birmingham, Cardiff, Belfast, Glasgow and Manchester.

http://www.myignorantyouth.com/

https://twitter.com/katenash

https://www.facebook.com/katenash

May BUZZ

Well, didn't this past month just fly by? I seriously don't know where it's gone! Some things have changed for me since we had the first edition of the monthly BUZZ; I can report that I've got a job and that I am now also writing reviews for RenownedForSound.com! Good times! Next week I go on (a UK) holiday, so hopefully summer is here to stay for a while instead of this unpredictable weather we're having.

Anyway, less dillydallying!

Marina And The Diamonds & Charli XCX - 'Just Desserts'

Yes guys, THIS happened. Two of my current favourite female singers joined to collaborate on a Marina penned track; it was heaven. I could barely believe my eyes when this appeared on my Twitter feed (courtesy of Diamandis), and best of all? FREE DOWNLOAD! Wins all round! (Read my full post here)

Superfood - 'TV' (Demo)

Birmingham band Superfood dropped a new demo, therefore there is a grand total of two songs available online for your listening pleasure. This band are certainly growing on me, with their '90's influence and catchy lyrics. Similarly to the song 'Superfood', 'TV' is definitely a grower, and I'm looking forward to hearing a higher quality version and hopefully more demos in the near future.

Bjork - 'Army Of Me'

As I said on the post relating to this article, I find Bjork fascinating. She is truly one of the few individuals whose artistic vision is largely untampered by the barrage of the internet and a world that grows ever smaller, yet she somehow remains innovative (she created the first app album, yes - app!). 'Army Of Me' is easily my favourite Bjork song, the aggressive industrial stomp and her haunting voice are mesmirising.

Laura Marling - 'Once I Was An Eagle'

The standout album for this month has to be Laura Marling's fourth effort, Once I Was An Eagle. If you've not listened to it yet, I can't recommend you do enough; it was stellar, and unexpectedly so on my part. Whilst I was aware of Marling and her brand of folk, I had never seeked out her music however, after reviewing it for RenownedForSound (please read it here) I was blown away by her effort. The video above is from her session on Jools Holland, and is identical to the recorded track.

Savages - 'City's Full'

I recently gained possession of Savages album, Silence Yourself. I fully intended to write a review of it, however I just haven't had the opportunity to give it enough dedicated time and effort to articulate such; I hadn't even managed to listen to it until Wednesday! Savages, however, are a really good band, and definitely one I would love to catch live in the near future. Here's one of my fave's, 'City's Full'.

God Damn - 'God Damn'

I've been listening to a lot of Black Country band God Damn recently. And I mean a. lot. At the moment they encapsulate everything I'm looking for in music: heavy, catchy, interesting, fun! God Damn have it in spades. Above is the song which encapsulates what the band are about, however you should also check out the epic video for their newest release, 'Heavy Money'. My boyfriend also did a review of the Heavy Money EP, which is currently streaming in full on God Damn's Soundcloud.

.................................................................................................................................................

And that's it for May BUZZ! I'm really enjoying writing these posts, short, snappy and packed full of good stuff! I'm considering making a monthly playlist to accompany these posts. 

So, tell me, what have you been loving this May?

New Waves.. Avril Lavigne - 'Here's To Never Growing Up'

Avril Lavigne is probably an artist that you didn't expect to ever see on this blog - indeed, neither did I! My obsession with Avril had waned with childhood and I carried only a passing interest of her through my teens and into my twenties, viewing her as someone who - though definitely physically ageless - seems to be trying too hard to cling to her youth.

Lavigne definitely has a talent for writing/co-writing a catchy pop song, and as the only song I can recall from her fourth album, Goodbye Lullaby, 'What The Hell' certainly continued in this vein. However, I approached 'Here's To Never Growing Up' with a bit of trepidation; it certainly sets its mission statement straight off the mark, but surely there's a time where this type of song gets... old. Lavigne and her original audience are aging out of this pop-rock bracket, however her music is not. The track - co-written by future hubby Chad Kroeger (yes, that Nickelback Chad Kroeger) - is radio friendly fodder, and one that I felt almost brainwashed into liking by the time I finished the review for RenownedForSound.com. 

You can read the review of the song here or by clicking the pictures, and you can watch the music video for the song here :)

http://www.avrillavigne.com/uk/herestonevergrowingup

https://twitter.com/AvrilLavigne

https://www.facebook.com/avrillavigne

Rapid Review.. Laura Marling - 'Once I Was An Eagle'

I admit, I have never overly immersed myself in the music of Laura Marling. The only reasons I have for this are:

1. When it comes to acoustic and/or folk music, I prefer male voices, eg. Jamie Woon, Jonny Craig, Justin Nozuka, Josh Kumra (off the top of my head, and they all begin with a 'J':- WOW.)
2. My limited exposure to Marling had left a somewhat depressing, lovelorn mark on my consciousness, and it's rather rarely that I actively choose to listen to such lyrically heavy music.

Therefore, despite approaching Marling's new album, Once I Was An Eagle, with a touch of trepidation, I must admit I was pleasantly surprised, despite her tales of romantic misdemeanour. I'm rather proud of the review I wrote for Renowned For Sound.com so please feel free to read it here :) 

I gave it 5/5 - yes people, a mighty 5/5! Marling truly captivated her audience with this album!

Rapid Review.. 30 Seconds To Mars - 'Love, Lust, Faith & Dreams'

Earlier this week, I wrote a review for Renowned For Sound.com on 30 Seconds To Mars' new album, Love, Lust, Dreams and Faith. 

For me, it came as somewhat of a surprise, as despite following the bands and Jared Leto (don't start..) on various forms of social media, I hadn't paid enough attention to be aware that they were going to spring a new album on us all.

30 Seconds To Mars are one of those bands that make me reminisce on my time at high school and college; the first song that I ever heard by the bands was 'Attack', taken from their 2005 album, A Beautiful Lie, and it is still the song that I return to by the band, the few others being 'Hurricane', 'Stranger In A Strange Land' (This Is War), 'From Yesterday' (the video!) and their cover of Bjork's 'Hunter'. Part of me feels as if I've outgrown the band; along with so many others, they now reside in Nostalgia Town.

Anyway, my opinions on the new album can be read by clicking here or by clicking the pictures in this post!

Feel free to tell me what you think about my review or writing in general :)

PS. I gave it 3/5

New Waves.. Findlay - 'Off & On'

Hailing from Stockport, singer-songwriter Findlay is a fireball of energy. Her most recent track,'Off & On' is an addictive blues infused riot of a song that manages to bear resemblance to something Jack White would write or approve of.

Introduced by a sultry, seductive guitar and stomping beat, the song slowly intensifies, building into a high intensity laserbeam of sound, with Findlay's bark seemingly grabbing the listener unceremoniously by the  collar and dragging them viciously through the turmoil of the song which, despite being a mere 2 mins 48, is a snippet of time that you won't forget in a hurry.

The 4 track Off & On EP is available on iTunes. You can download 'Off & On' for FREE by entering your email here!

Findlay will also be playing the Secret Garden Party 2013 in Huntingdon from 25-28 July and also Reading and Leeds Festivals from 23-25 August.

http://www.findlaymusic.com/
https://twitter.com/FINDLAYmusic
https://soundcloud.com/findlay-music

New Waves.. Neonfaith - 'Escape'

In my humble opinion, combining rock and electronic elements in music can be a somewhat difficult feat to pull off. The end result, I feel, ends up either feeling too interspersed and not worth the attempt or too cluttered, with synths and guitars clashing apocalyptically - it's not a pretty sound.

This is however. 'Escape', from New York based band Neonfaith, manages to combine elements of indie and electronica in an intricate and delicate manner. The track is minimalist, yet emotive; the haunting and alluring voice of singer Megan Faye weaves its way through the retro sounding beats, and is the silver thread which binds the song together. The music manages to transition many influences, morphing from laid back guitars to a current of electronic schisms in a heartbeat, but it works, flawlessly, and it is this that makes the band one to watch.

Neonfaith currently only have six songs posted on Soundcloud, three of which are remixes, which is unfortunate as I can't wait to hear more from the band. You can listen to three of their original songs - including 'Escape' - here; the other two, 'Tied Together' and 'Mercury', are similarly intriguing lounge electronica.

What do you think of Neonfaith? Do you like 'Escape'? Are they a band you'd like to hear more from?

https://www.facebook.com/NeonFaith
https://twitter.com/neonfaith_
https://soundcloud.com/neonfaith

New Waves.. Superfood - 'TV' (Demo)

The somewhat mysterious 'B-Town' band Superfood are back with a new demo for their song 'TV', proving the band are not merely a one-hit-wonder of the underground world.

Whilst 'TV' does not capture quite the same charm as the aforementioned song, it is most definitely a grower in the same manner as 'Superfood' previously was, and with Blur-esque guitars and lyrics that practically beg you to sing along, the band are certainly tapping into their own interpretation of the current '90's revival.

Only the second song to ever surface from the band, it will no doubt add momentum to their rippling wave of national recognition following the debut of their first self-titled demo.

The band are currently touring the UK with a mid-tour stop in Amsterdam.

Do you like Superfood? What do you think 'TV'? Do you prefer it to their first song, 'Superfood'?

www.superfoodjunk.com
https://www.facebook.com/superfoodjunk
https://twitter.com/superfoodjunk

New Waves.. Marina and the Diamonds & Charli XCX - 'Just Desserts'

I must say that seeing this on my Twitter feed today was rather unexpected, but after I saw Marina (of Diamond ilk) post about getting ready to drop a track that she recorded with Charli XCX, I got more than a tad excited; two of may favourite pop artists collaborating!? What on Earth could be better?

The song - 'Just Desserts' - sounds like a perfect blend of the two singers, combining Marina's dark electronic pop with Charli's quirky delivery. Whilst Marina's voice is unique, Charli's contribution manages to compliment it, whilst many other voices wouldn't have been able to pull it off without it sounding more than a bit awkward; however, that said, at times it get a little difficult to differentiate between the two voices.

As for the song itself, it grows with each listen, however it definitely feels as though it is leaning closer to the Marina side of the fence, and 'Just Desserts' would have been perfectly at home slap bang in the middle of Marina's 2012 concept album, Electra Heart. Lyrically, the content is similar - in this instance, an ode to revenge - with Charli declaring in a sickly sweet manner 'Yeah baby, I know that it hurts when you're about to get your just desserts'. For fans of either or both of the singers, the song is definitely an unexpected treat!

What do you think of 'Just Desserts'? Do you like Marina or Charli XCX? Was it a collaboration worth having?

http://www.marinaandthediamonds.com/
https://twitter.com/MarinasDiamonds
https://www.facebook.com/marinaandthediamonds

http://www.charlixcxmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/charlixcxmusic
https://twitter.com/charli_xcx

April BUZZ

Out with the old and in with the new as they say, and seeing as April is now behind us, I'd like to welcome you to the the first installment of my new feature - MONTHLY BUZZ!

In this feature I'll be highlighting some of the very best music that I've come across this month, amongst other things. So, to get the ball rolling.......

Peace @ The Kasbah, Coventry

I finally caught Peace live, and let me tell you they were brilliant - literally flawless! Whilst Superfood dropped out last minute, the support band JAWS were also very good and, as a whole, I have never seen a crowd so euphorically happy to be dancing and singing to their favourite band's songs! May the world be converted by the cult of Peace!

Swim Deep - 'She Changes The Weather'

This time, one month ago, I found myself pleasantly shocked by the first new song to be revealed to the world from their forthcoming debut album, Where The Heaven Are We. Even listening to it now, the song it still beautifully arranged and is easily their most mature effort; if you've missed it, it's a must listen!

No Doubt - 'Just A Girl'

You'll be seeing more of this further on in the week because, as I'm sure we're all aware, there are only a certain amount of Fridays (and therefore Flashback's) in each month. But yes, it's that time of year when the sun finally shows its face and certain genres of music become absolutely essential - in this case, ska and  No Doubt, and whilst I've mainly been listening to Rock Steady - the album from the 'Hey Baby' era - 'Just A Girl' is a classic song which encapsulates what the band is about.

Charli XCX - 'True Romance'
Charli XCX finally dropped her debut album, 'True Romance', and whilst it may have felt somewhat overly familiar to certain fans who lap up every single snippet that she drops (ie. me), it was a really strong effort, replicating that seamless feel of a mixtape and is jam-packed with high quality alt.pop choons. 'Cloud Aura' feat. Brooke Candy is a grower!


Daft Punk - 'Get Lucky'

Need I say more? It's the song that blew up April and threw everything else out of the water because, despite the retro disco makeover, Daft Punk are back and are back and milking the hype machine for everything that it is worth, they're going to be bigger than ever. 2013 is already their year.

            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So there it is, the first MONTHLY BUZZ installment!

What do you think about April BUZZ? Do you like the installment? Do you think what I've posted above is BUZZworthy? What are your picks from April?

Rapid Review.. Paramore - 'Paramore'

Literally, before last weekend had past, I had barely shot a passing glance towards the new Paramore album. In hindsight, a part of me felt as if Paramore had been locked away when I had turned 20, with their first three albums - All We Know Is Falling, Riot! and Brand New Eyes - being relocated under the 'nostalgia' pile, with the band never aging, or growing up.

However, after seeing various opinions through social media - most supplied via Hayley Williams re-Tweets - I began to grow intrigued upon seeing comments such as 'Paramore has changed, not keen on this album' and 'Paramore has changed - best album yet!'. Wanting to find out for myself, I gave it a listen or three, and found my self somewhat surprised.

Their fourth, self-titled studio album can be viewed as somewhat of a mixed bag; there are definitely some quality Paramore-pop songs tucked in there, many of which I find myself unintentionally humming prior to realisation; I guess that makes me a tad addicted. The first pair of songs are beyond catchy and result in the aforementioned effect, with album opener 'Fast In My Car' going from 'beyond irritating' to 'I want to listen to this noww' in a matter of plays. Speaking of 'now', 'Now' - the first single from the album - is a definite grower, with Williams hitting some rather impressive power notes that I can't help but attempt (and fail) to mimic. At first it felt like common fodder, somewhat lacklustre, but in hindsight it was simply unfamiliar. The first truly mediocre song for me would be 'Grow Up', ironically because it sounds rather juvenile  and possesses a rather underwhelming chorus. It is on 'Daydreaming' that we first begin to feel that we are beginning to venture into some slightly new territory, with the strings on the verses causing them to sparkle, and the instrumental after the bridge has a euphoric edge, however it is again let down by a repetitive chorus.

Now, the first big difference: The Interludes, of which I'm not sure whether to regard positively or with trepidation. The three are short ukelele driven songs with a tinny and retro sounding vocal and, whilst 'Holiday' and 'I'm Not Angry Anymore' are catchy, thought chilled out little ditties, it is 'Moving On' which is the highlight of the trio. Other highlights of the album include 'Ain't It Fun', with it's rather gospel sounding ending and also 'Last Hope', but most irking however, is 'Part II', which is literally a rehash of Paramore's Riot! era song, 'Let The Flames Begin'; it literally has the same lyrics - multiple times, however the later instrumental on the bridge brings to mind Watch Out! era Alexisonfire; a song of multiple exclamation marks, it seems, both good and very bad. 

The band definitely channel the roots of their homeland (Nashville, Tennesee), with songs like 'Hate To See Your Heart Break' and '(One Of Those) Crazy Girls' carrying a country-esque vibe, whilst 'Still Into You' is pure, unabashed POP! - however, it is album closer 'Future' which is most surprising, which deceivingly smoulders for three minutes before hitting us with a crescendo of noise, one which you would never in your wildest imaginings would expect to come from Paramore, it is positively metal in intensity, a symphony of noise that is, oddly, a perfect end to an unexpectedly decent album steeped in pop sentimentality and, if you are willing to take it is for what it is, there is a lot to enjoy there; perhaps Paramore are finally growing up.

http://www.paramore.net/
https://twitter.com/paramore
https://www.facebook.com/paramore