By MELLY LING
alltherage@thestar.com.my

IN 2010, Paramore fans all around the world were devastated to hear that two of the American rock band’s founding members, Josh and Zac Farro, were leaving the group. That decision simply spelt death to one of the coolest rock bands to grace the music world.

Lead singer, Hayley Williams, however promised that the band would return despite losing its guitarist and drummer, and guess what? She kept to her word.

Paramore is back and this time they are stronger than ever as a three-piece rock band with the remaining original members – Williams (vocalist), Jeremy Davis (bassist) and Taylor York (guitarist).

During a telephone interview last week, York spoke about the bumpy last couple of years the band faced and how they managed to pull together to work on their fourth studio album scheduled for release in April.

“We’re not sure how to continue the band any more as everyone was all sad about the band’s fall out. It was really hard for us at that time but whatever internal complications we went through, it doesn’t stop us from still being part of the band. When Josh and Zac left the band, we thought it will be the last of Paramore until we felt that we weren’t quite done yet. We just feel like we still have the whole world to see and so much more to share out to people,” said the 23-year-old musician.

In a recent Rolling Stones article, Williams had mentioned that, “There were definitely days I would wake up and think it would be so easy to put up some sort of letter saying we’ve had a good run. And then there were days that you would wake up and you would have a song in your head and know that there is purpose.”

Having been friends and playing music together since young, the band’s separation was not an easy take for everybody. Williams was only 13 when the Farro brothers formed the band in 2004, and to say that they’ve grown together as band mates as well as a family would be an understatement.

“I don’t think that kind of breaking off is ever an easy thing because it doesn’t only involve the band but our fans as well. But I don’t think we knew it was going to get that crazy and dramatic. So that was a surprise. But it kind of just happened and we can’t turn back time and stop it from happening.

It definitely affected us, and it felt like we could not get away from it, and it was what everyone wanted to talk about. As time went on, we were able to just kind of separate from that and leave the past behind and look forward for the future because I think there’s a future waiting for us,” said York.

Despite the snag, the friendship among the band members still remained strong. “We have been friends for a very long time and we care about each other a lot. We really try to sacrifice and compromise for each other. Our strong bond has definitely helped us stay together and move forward,” York said.

As Paramore prepares for its up-coming Asian and Australian tour, including Kuala Lumpur on Feb 17 at Stadium Negara, Kuala Lumpur, York deeply expressed his appreciation for all that has happened to them in the past despite the bitter times. He said that they are looking forward with positive energy for whatever the futures brings.

Paramore first performed in Kuala Lumpur in 2010 to a crowd of over 10, 000 people. “The fans in Malaysia were just so mind-blowing. It was one of the most exciting show we have ever played and it was our first gig in KL. People are just so kind and warm,” recalled York.

The fans can expect an energetic rock pumping show later this month as Taylor shared “We can’t wait to perform for our Malaysian fans again. It’s going to be exciting with a brand new sound. We just want the fans to go crazy. It’s going to be wild.”

The American rock band which is famous for hits such as That’s What You Get, The Only Exception, Crush, Crush, Crush, Monster and Decode is set to perform their new single Now as well as other songs from their up-coming album.
Interestingly though, the band had decided to self-title their latest album.

“It was honestly meant to be a statement. Normally, the first record is the one that’s self-titled. After a lot of changes during the ups and downs we’ve been through, we just want people to know we’re still around, and we’re more Paramore than ever before.”

York hinted that the new album will sound “personal” and would show the subtle side of Paramore, as compared to their previous albums.

“I think in every record, there has to be an evolution and this record is definitely very different for us. We have had a lot of fun making the new album. Everyone get to do their own song this time and we get to put a lot of our thoughts in the record. Our new album is definitely very personal and aged,” he said.

York also explained how the new record swings in a different musical direction while still keeping it rock as how their fans remember them to be.

“All I can say that the record is fresh. It is still a rock album but with a twist of post stuff, strings and pop. So, the new album is pretty much fresh and rock. We always love playing rock music.“

n Catch Paramore Live in Kuala Lumpur at Stadium Negara on February 17. For more details go to  Livescape Asia’s website or to purchase tickets, head on over to TicketPro .