Paramore - Islington Academy, London - 7th September 2009
Support: The Blackout


The set up to this show wasn’t your usual fan anticipation hype or media interest, the tickets for this event sold out in a matter of minutes, a band signing was scheduled a few hours before the gig, giving those that missed out on tickets a chance to get some exclusive extras on sale. To say this was a golden ticket event is putting it mildly. I was one of the few who went to both events with the line for the signing starting early evening on the Sunday, myself joining the line at 11.30pm on Sunday, getting my wristband at 9am and the signing just after 5pm that evening followed by the gig doors opening at 7pm. Over the whole course of the few days I didn’t sleep for nearly 30 hours and you felt the appreciation from the band that pulled off one of the best shows I’ve seen them do.

The mix of both old classics and new releases from their forth coming album ‘Brand New Eyes’ including the current single ‘Ignorance’, Twilight theme ‘Decode’, fan favourites such as ‘Let the Flames Begin’ all sold as mini events on stage. Warm up band ‘The Blackout’ were so raw and energetic that they tore up the stage and raised the crowd up so high that we were begging Paramore to come on the stage just to keep us going. Bouncing off each other and playing a game of to and fro with the crowd the band truly take this head on and give more than 100% of what the crowd is giving them in terms of energy and love. New songs are welcomed and treated like every other track; older songs like ‘Conspiracy’ are championed with hero welcomes. We are even treated to a cover song, ‘Long Distance Call’ by Phoenix, for a forthcoming event in France as a sort of practice for both the band and testing fan reception. It went down well; very well.

The youth and vigour of the band naturally comes from their dedication to the music and love of performing and even with their previously published band issues causing them to pull out of the European tour last time, they have taken the negatives and made positives. Their next record is already getting rave reviews, a UK arena tour is slotted for December and the band is on form. From rolling back flips, stunning drum performance, impassioned and emotionally charged vocal performance and epic guitars; this band has all the elements to keep out shining themselves as well as many of their peers.

I more than recommend seeing this band live and in as small a venue as possible for maximum effect. Buy the new album, buy the old albums and understand why this band is more than one to watch but one to be experienced.

Brand New Eyes is out the end of September worldwide. Paramore’s European tour starts the end of the year and their US tour starts this month.


Images from the gig can be found in the AMPED REVIEWS GALLERY


Review by Laura Heath


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