After a five- year wait, Paramore releasing new music in 2022 was an unexpected, but desperately needed addition to a modern day repertoire of emo's revival, six months after the highly anticipated reunion of My Chemical Romance and their unexpected release of their newest single, "Foundations of Decay". Both bands headlined at the “When we were young” festival during October in Las Vegas this year. 

 

However, after gearing their sound towards an indie pop direction, complete with prominent bass riffs and drum fills, many pop- punk diehards were disappointed with the outcome of their latest album, "After Laughter (2017) ", due to a synthesised pop nature which differed greatly from their most popular album of overdriven emo anthems, “Riot! (2007)”. Because of this, a new glimpse of a single made many fans wonder, “would they continue to release melodic pop, along the lines with their latest album, or would they revert to their punk- inspired roots, which most of their audience originated from?”

 

The truth is, I believe that Paramore has finally found the harmonic balance of both of their worlds in their new single, “This is Why.” The mix of a forefronted bass and drum combination during its introduction, as well as an emphasis on screamy, edgy lyrics and vocals, especially during its bridge, perfectly brings together all the most appealing aspects of each part of their musical journey. The return of Hayley Williams’ iconic orange hair, originating from Riot!,may mark the beginning of a new, exciting era which many long- time Paramore fans, including myself, are looking forward to.