The DePaulia

Issue date: 10/5/09 Section: Entertainment

Before an initial listen to Paramore's new album, I would describe my attitude towards this band as indifferent. Sure, they have that insanely cute lead singer with orange hair and a catchy pop-punk undertone to their songs, but are they legitimate musicians? "Brand new eyes" answered that question. The Franklin, Tennessee quintet pleasantly surprised me with their latest effort off the Fueled by Ramen label. It's easy to immediately pick up on Hayley Williams' incredible vocal ability but it's the songwriting on this album that is most impressive.

Over the past year or two, Paramore has exploded from radio and MTV exposure (2007's "RIOT!" has sold over 2 million units to date). This quick rise to fame does not come without "the bends" and it's side effects. Tension among band members has led to some genuine songwriting from front-woman Williams and guitarist Josh Farro.

"Careful" is an incredible opening track, roaring with it's heavy(ish) guitar riffs and pounding drum sequences. This song has easily become my favorite on the album. Tracks like "Brick by Boring Brick" and "Where the Lines Overlap" heavily resonate with a Jimmy Eat World-like vibe. 'Ignorance' is the first single off the album, sounding very reminiscent to the "Misery Business" single off of "RIOT!".

Thankfully, this is one of the few tracks on the record that sound reused. Other tracks worth noting are "Playing God" and "Misguided Ghosts," a bare-bone Spanish guitar jam that brings to mind indie influences like Death Cab for Cutie. Another highlight is "Looking Up," fused by way of Motion City Soundtrack and the Foo Fighters.

In regards to the built up tension that the band has experienced in the past few years, Williams remarks "I can't believe we almost hung it up/ We're just getting started." If Paramore continues to sound like this, let's all hope so.

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