Rewind time to a classical, humid southern day in downtown Raleigh in 2010 and you’ll find what was the first date of the Honda Civic Tour. Fresh off the release of the Rob Cavallo produced Brand New Eyes, Paramore seemingly had made it out of the “scene” and left smaller clubs behind to embark onto the summer concert circuit. They were on top of the world and punk-rock fans around the world idolized the lyrics to “Ignorance” and “Brick By Boring Brick”
Read more: Paramore is rose-colored as ever on ‘Tour Two’
Now eight years and three lineup changes later, at the same venue in North Carolina, Paramore is a very different beast compared to the arena rock five-piece who burst onto the mainstream with signature emo haircuts and punchy guitars. Instead, they now find themselves in a world of cleaner, pop tracks. The Paramore today is a much more lab refined band, far from the roots of rock music’s yesteryear. Now, the trio consisting of Hayley Williams, Zac Farro and Taylor York is an on stage seven-piece assisted by Justin York, Joey Howard, Joseph Mullen, and Logan MacKenzie.
“Were you guys hanging around during the Brand New Eyes Days?,” Hayley asked the crowd. “I think we were here on the Honda Civic Tour. That was a real weird time. I know we’ve harped on it a thousand times but Zach came back. None of us get tired of just having friends in the band, it’s really nice.”
A lot has changed and when you look back on those days and it was a “real weird time” in comparison to now. But then again not much has changed when it comes to Paramore live. Yes, they’re missing two key members and the band may never feel completely whole without them, but the trio still gives a splendid show. “Crushcrushcursh” and “Playing God” set the mood early with those still reminiscing on the tour from nearly a decade ago while current single “Rose-Colored Boy” and “Fake Happy” fulfilled the hearts of the newcomers.
Hayley is unmissable in her pink Good Dye Young hair die and attire. She’s vibrant and inviting, as fans rose to their feet with her as she danced across the stage. The new pop-ridden tunes such as “Pool” and “Forgiveness” sounded fresh and the band’s enthusiasm to perform the new tracks sparkled under the pink and blue stage lights. Paramore felt bigger outside, in contrast to the indoor stages they played in the U.S. on Tour Two.
There’s plenty of innovation on Tour Five to separate itself from tours of the past. The Nashville natives rolled through nearly every song off After Laughter, and even included a cover of Drake’s “Passionfruit” - probably the most Paramore-esque rap track around. But like the good ole’ days and in Paramore fashion, Hayley welcomed a fan onto stage with her for “Misery Business” before jumping off into “Ain’t In Fun.” There’s some traditions that never seem to die, and some that are just being created. After basking in a rousing applause from the crowd, Paramore skipped back into the spotlight for “Hard Times,” “Told You So” and a Farro-fronted Halfnoise song that’s changed each time the band has toured in the States.
Paramore’s senior status shows in their flawless live sound and polished stage production, way beyond the years of playing the tiny stage at Warped Tour. Hayley performs with as much enthusiasm as if it was her first show and nothing feels contrived or forced. And after all these years, the crowd is still dancing and singing with ease to her infections stage presence.
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