Paramore Review

To open with a little backstory, I first saw Paramore on the Honda Civic Tour in the summer of 2010, and I most recently saw Paramore supporting Taylor Swift on night two of the Eras Tour. I have seen this band take on audiences of all shapes and sizes and I can say with certainty, Hayley Williams can captivate any crowd.

And on a blazing 115-degree day in the heart of Coachella Valley, it was no different. Some may say Paramore brought the heat. 

Following impressive sets from rising punk act The Linda Lindas and British rock band Foals, the eager crowd is welcomed into Paramore’s presence by a dramatic and impactful spoken word intro of “Note To Self,” written by Hayley to her teenage self. The band makes their way to the stage as images rapidly flicker on the backdrop, only to stop at the close of the poem, “Getting Better and also Enough.. Enough.. Enough.. Enough.”

Acrisure Arena erupts as a single spotlight shines on Taylor York, the beginning chords of “You First” open the show. In precise synchronicity, Zac Farro comes in on drums as Hayley kicks, punches & dances to the rhythm, and we’re officially at a Paramore show.

It is evident that after their five-year hiatus, the trio is excited to be back on stage together and ready to share their new music with fans. The setlist takes us on a journey through Paramore’s latest release This Is Why, while also highlighting hits from After Laughter and their earlier albums. The band even sprinkles in an enchanting performance of Hayley’s solo work, “Crystal Clear,” and “Baby” from Zac’s project HalfNoise, with Zac stepping out from behind the kit to grab the mic, and Hayley accompanying on acoustic guitar and harmonies.

Hayley’s range does not rest throughout the evening, galvanizing the audience with her soaring vocals, breaks and growls of her lower register - she leaves no skill untouched in her arsenal.

Hayley is the best frontperson of her generation because she is empowered by the drive of Taylor’s earnest intensity and Zac’s spirited cadence. The group’s unified stage presence encapsulates the essence of their music - the playful cheekiness of “Ain’t It Fun” and the tranquil sincerity of “Liar” fit together like pieces of a puzzle. 

Touching moments highlight the evening. Hayley unexpectedly chokes up during “Last Hope” and recruits the audience to sing the lyrics for her. A couple gets engaged beneath a shower of golden sparklers during “The Only Exception.”

As Paramore closes the evening with “This Is Why” in a sea of confetti (spelling out This is Why, I might add), I’m reflective. I’ve seen this band grow and evolve over time alongside the fans. It’s encouraging to see new fans and old sing along with the same fervor I saw in 2010. 

This band was formative. This band is enduring. Paramore forever.