PARAMORE レコード& CD

Review: Album six from the mighty Paramore has been kept pretty close to the band's chest. And the collective chest of mighty Atlantic Records, with at least one UK national newspaper accidentally (or not?) breaching a review embargo stopping any critical editorial appearing before the actual release date. How's that for a sign of the brave new world we've wound up living in.

Of course, last minute - or on the minute - is the way things make sense these days, with pre-album singles usually peaking a week or so ahead of the full release and tickets often only shifting in the final days before an event. That said, we had our first flavour of this record in the form of title track four months or so ago, Paramore's first single in four years, and fans have been rightly chomping at their bits since. Yes to more emotionally charged, musically accomplished alternative but accessible rock, yes to the ever-mesmerising voice of Hayley Williams, and yes to less is more promotion.

Review: Originally bestowed upon fans and newcomers alike in 2007, Riot! is Paramore's second album and represented a real evolution in sound for the band at the time. While never straying from the emo-punk-pop blueprint that first garnered them love and attention, this iteration saw the troupe explore more experimental and abstract ideas, while still giving us all plenty to pogo-on-about.

Hence the high chart ranking, in the US at least, and multiple gold records from sales in global territories. Music aside, it may or may not have been at this point when many ears began to realise that - even in the most angsty and immature moments - Paramore's lyrics are well and truly a cut above most of the rest. The combination being an irrepressible power that can't help but go straight for the emotional heartstrings, whether that means creating positive energy or inward reflection.