Paramore have proven themselves to be a versatile band, considering the numerous lineup changes, they have inconsistently formed their sound into different directions. Back in 2005 with their debut album All We Know Is Falling, there were so much angst and despair through their music and Hayley Williams, being only 16, have already shown to be the ones to look out for. They have cemented themselves as icons in the emo/pop-punk scene two years later with Riot! and from this point on, they had the creative control in their hands and I wondered if we'd ever hear that angst and despair from them again. Ever since the departure of the Farro brothers in 2010 they continued to progress their sound by implementing indie pop style through their self-titled album where they have experimented through different genres, from country to ukulele interludes, they weren't the band we have listened to back then but they haven't stopped keeping me intrigued. Now after Zac Farro's return in 2017 after Jeremy Davis' departure two years before, it instantly sparked my excitement for the new album. Farro has proven himself as a creative artist with his project Halfnoise and it seems like he has shared his ideas through the band after hearing the first two singles from After Laughter.
Starting off with the single Hard Times, a depressing concept covered with tropical beats and 80s pop elements that makes it an instant summer hit. And that journey doesn't stop there with Rose-Colored Boy, which gives out a real Blondie-vibe with its cheerful chants sugar coating its pessimistic lyrics. I start to hear Williams' anxiety throughout Told You So, discussing about people watching your move and waiting for you to make a mistake. While Fake Happy complements the catchy PA-RA-PA-RA-PA-PA chant to its concept about people being... well "fake happy" and pretending to be all good to people when you're really not. Forgiveness and 26 cover the typical heartbreaks and trying to get through the pain in such a serenade manner. Then it takes a right turn with Pool, discussing about finding the One and never giving up on it which finally shows that glimmer of hope within her lyricism. Throughout these tracks it's reminiscent to 90s alternative rock especially with its harmonizing back ups but thanks to Farro's experience with Halfnoise, he implements new wave experimental sounds that make the tracks more intriguing, comparing to bands like Talking Heads. It's also a treat to hear him share his vocals in Grudges. At this point however, we hear Williams slowly becoming more distressed, asking herself difficult questions about life while in Caught in the Middle, she's forgetting about how easy it was in the good old days and trying to move on from it. Idle Worship discusses people depending on you and that line "Don't let me let you down" is what makes me admire Williams' lyricism, showcasing her own independence. No Friend has this gripping La Dispute-style vocals and everyone starts to chaos with improvisation that makes it so much more intense. It's such an unusual track for Paramore to make but it's an interesting interlude before the closer track Tell Me How, a gloomy ballad discussing the difficulty of getting over someone who is not even saying anything and Williams is almost begging here repeating the line "Tell me how to feel about you now" desperate for a response and answers.
It seems that Williams became more cynic compared to the self-titled throughout this album although she's trying to accept the struggles she is going through and putting a positive spin on it, almost as if York and Farro are helping her through it with its gleeful yet impressive funky guitars and intricate drums. It's less expansive and ambitious than their previous release but I am pleased to see them heading forward with this 80s revival sound. Yes they weren't the same rock band from 10 years ago now, but Hayley Williams stayed true to her songwriting, vulnerable and apprehensive.
Overall: There's a strong juxtaposition between Williams' despairing lyricism and the sparkling 80s new wave style synth pop, tribal beats and stiff guitar hooks from York and Farro. It's personally their darkest and most mature album lyrically but it's a near-perfect summer album.
Check out: Hard Times, Fake Happy, No Friend
9/10
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