NATIVES
Early 2012 saw Not Advised fans sent into panic mode when it was announced on the bands’ twitter that “Not Advised are dead”. However it wasn’t a terrible tragedy that had caused the demise of the New Forest five piece but rather a change in name. Resurrected as Natives with the promise of a new album in the near future, recorded by the one and only John Feldmann, they threw themselves back out into the music scene playing support slots for bands such as fellow British rockers Deaf Havana, Futures and Don Bronco.
At the end of 2012 the up and coming quintet took off on their first ever headline tour across the UK. The pop-rockers have teased us with two songs – Big Plans and This Island – but are still yet to release their debut full length. However, this has never seemed to put them at a disadvantage when it comes to their live shows. Vocalist Jim Thomas is not only always pitch perfect but has the ability to command the crowds to do what he wants and have them bellowing back the lyrics to songs that we haven’t even heard yet -a skill that is testament to his talent as a frontman. Musically Jack Fairbrother, Greg Day, Ash Oliver and Andy White all work together in faultless harmony to ensure each song sounds incredible by putting their absolute all into it show after show.
PARAMORE
Starting out so young Paramore have been touring since their teen years which means they have the art of putting on a show down to a T. When five became three back in 2010 after the departure of lead guitarist Josh Farro and his drummer brother Zac, there was much speculation as to the future of the band but Paramore fans never needed to worry. The new found trio went straight back out onto the road and played shows around the world throughout 2011 – before holing up for most of 2012 to record their self-titled album due for release in April.
And with 2013 underway Paramore are announcing more and more shows every day for the remainder of the year. What flame-haired vocalist Hayley Williams lacks in height she makes up for with her outstanding vocal range that never falters, even when she’s bouncing around the stage head banging all the way. The close knit friendships of the band shine on stage whether it be through the infamous “Pressure Flip” or the fleeting hugs and heartfelt smiles shared between the band when they clearly can’t quite believe their luck. Taylor York, previously the touring member before becoming an official guitarist, has also had the pressures of stepping up to play the lead, a role which he has taken on with sheer finesse and as for bassist Jeremy Davis he remains as talented as ever wielding his bass like a weapon intended for mass destruction of hearts as he grins his way through their set. Crowds will go crazy and volume levels will be deafening but the highlight of a Paramore show are the intro’s and outro’s they write which are always devastatingly beautiful.