I didn't go to any gigs in 2017, so its probably been a good 18 months since my last gig. Far too long! If this night made me realise anything, it is how much I love live music, especially when it is done right! Just the 2 bands on the bill tonight - Mewithoutyou and headliners Paramore. I decided to have a listen to Mewithoutyou prior to the gig to see what they were like. What I heard was a solid rock band but I wasn't too sure about the vocals which often felt like they were delivered just by speaking the lyrics rather than actually singing them. Just their style but I wasn't sure if it was for me so didn't listen to that much of them prior to the gig.
Fast forward to 7.30pm on 20th January 2018 and Mewithoutyou took to the stage. What was a bit strange was the way the lead singer Aaron Weiss was sitting down. It just seemed a bit random. The way he was sitting down I was actually wondering if he didn't have any legs. Then I thought how did he get on to the stage in the first place. But during the other songs he did stand up for them. He also did random stuff like walking off the stage for a bit during a song. His bandmates didnt blink an eye though so this must just be the norm. In terms of the music though, I did actually really enjoy it. They are a really tight band which you would expect having 6 albums and having been together since the early noughties. Also special mention to drummer Rickie Mazotta who my gig buddy Campbell and I agreed was so fun to watch.
Having just the 2 bands meant Mewithout you were given a generous 40 minute set and meant Paromore were on a bit earlier compared to usual gigs. It was about 8.45pm when the lights went down and on came a small army on to the stage. Paramore are now singer Hayley, guitarist Taylor and Zac the drummer. But they also come complete with 4 other members on tour as their touring band.
I predicted that they would start with their hit single "Hard times" and I was right. It set the tone for the night and it was clear from the off that everyone in attendence was up for this. What I wasn't right about though was the next song. I remember turning to Campbell and saying "I can't believe they are playing Misery business this early on". I was confused as to why they weren't inviting people up on the stage as per tradition. Only for my brain to switch on a few songs later to realise it was "Ignorance" they played! I would say over the last year I have really got to know Paramore's music well and can't believe I made this mistake, ha.
The set was predominantly focused around their latest album "After laughter" playing 9 of the 12 tracks. If you see my review I rated this album highly and tonight you can see why as I was slightly disappointed they didn't play all the tracks off it! But at the same time then I would say that they weren't playing enough hits from previous albums.
So many memorable moments from the night which include the ballad "Hate to see your hearbreak" when the whole place was totally lit up with phones. Also "Misery Business" everyone really, really got into this one. And when they invited the 4 people up on stage they just went crazy which was fun to watch. Aaron Weiss coming on for some vocals on "No Friend" where I didn't actually realise he did the vocals on this song for the album. Penultimate song "French Class" which was Zac Farro's song which he also did vocals on was a nice surprise and a solid song.
Having 5 albums I don't think anyone will ever agree that this was their best setlist especially when Paramore have so many good songs on each of their albums. But one thing this does show is how a change in direction for the band, musically, worked. Playing most off the stuff off their latest album shows to me they have full faith in it and rightly so as it is superb. But they played for an hour and a half and in my view didn't play a bad song. Can't really ask for much more.
Overall it was an absolutely cracking gig which I thouroughly enjoyed. I can't really go without saying how good a front women Hayley William's is. I don't think I have ever seen someone have so much fun on stage and her interaction in between songs was great too. Hoping to see these guys again in the future.
Set list
Hard Times
Ignorance
Still into you
Forgiveness
Fake Happy
That's what you get
I caught myself
Pool
Hate to see your heart break
Caught in the middle
Told you so
Idle worship
No Friend (with vocals from Aaron Weiss)
Misery Business
Ain't it Fun
Encore
Grow up
French Class
Rose coloured boy
No comments:
Post a Comment