A Night to Remember: Paramore's Transcendent Journey at Sydney's The Domain

Review by: Monika Oberscheven-Smith & Ashlea Crane

Zachary Gray

In the heart of Sydney's vibrant music scene, The Domain transformed into a haven of sonic exploration on a magical Saturday night, the 25th of November. The very air pulsated with palpable excitement as the gates swung open, beckoning "The Emos" and "pop punk Kids" to an evening of euphoria with Paramore. With every step towards the entrance, the colourful array of hair and eclectic fashion choices revealed a kaleidoscope of fandom, a testament to the diversity and passion Paramore's music inspires.

The layout of the venue was a thoughtful dance of convenience and accessibility. A welcome surprise awaited as the Merch tent unfolded its treasures just beside the cloakroom at the gate's entrance. The culinary delights from the food trucks waited in the wings, strategically placed at the back of The Domain, forming a culinary oasis within a short stroll of the restrooms. Even Mother Nature's moody attempt to cast a shadow on the proceedings only succeeded in fostering camaraderie, particularly during the opening set by Remi Wolf.

Blessed with a double pass, graciously provided by Beauty Next in partnership with Good Dye Young, the pre-concert rituals became a delightful immersion. Duties included capturing the essence of the moment with the Beauty Next team at the Good Dye Young pop-up. Here, the celebration of vibrant hair colors and alternative styles felt like a preamble to the vibrant sonic palette Paramore was about to unfurl.

Navigating the growing sea of fans took on a whimsical charm, especially considering the record-breaking scale of the Sydney tour date. Remi Wolf's departure from the stage left an indelible excitement hanging in the air, setting the stage for Paramore's triumphant return.

As the clock neared 9pm, a spoken word piece, voiced by Hayley Williams, titled “Grey Area (Note to Self)” could be heard, preparing the audience for the upcoming 2 hours of live music mastery. Paramore then burst onto the stage with “You First”, ushering in an immersive experience that seamlessly merged love and gratitude for their fans. The opening notes were a thunderous declaration of their return to Sydney, echoing through the vast expanse of The Domain.

The visual spectacle crafted by Paramore's AV team was a breathtaking tapestry of color, seamlessly woven into the fabric of their performance. Large screens illuminated with vivid hues and artistic strokes transporting the audience into a realm where music and visuals danced harmoniously. It was as if the screens were not just an accompaniment but an extension of the band's identity, further solidifying their brand.

Outdoor venue challenges did little to deter the energy of the crowd, whose enthusiastic participation transformed them into an integral element of the performance. Hayley Williams, the magnetic force at the helm, traversed every inch of the stage, creating an intimate connection with both bandmates and fans alike. The lighting team, executing a delicate balance between visual spectacle and safety, deserves applause for their finesse in handling strobe effects.

The crowd's intensity mirrored the profound sense of unity and family that Paramore effortlessly fosters during their live shows. Hayley's heartfelt reflections on the enduring bond with their fans struck a chord, emphasising the symbiotic relationship that has propelled the band through the past two decades.

Paramore's set unfolded like a carefully orchestrated symphony, with each core member granted their own moment centre stage, with Zac coming out from behind the drum kit to front the band for an action-packed 4 minutes with a rendition of “Baby”.

The more timid Taylor’s centre stage moments came in quieter forms with his vocoder vocals in ‘Hard Times’ and the many well-crafted solos in Taylor York fashion.

A good front person knows when to step aside to allow for the other members to have their moments to truly shine, and Hayley highlighted and underscored those moments well.

Amidst the sonic tapestry, specific moments shone brightly. The ARIA-chart-topping "This Is Why" was met with thunderous applause, a testament to the band's continued prowess.

Hayley's dance to the rhythm of the guitar during "Caught in the Middle" and the poignant symbolism behind "Thick Skull," where red hands became a metaphor for unintended consequences, left indelible imprints on the audience's collective memory.

But let's not forget the sonic gems that peppered the night, weaving into the very fabric of the concert experience. "You First" with its haunting melody, echoed through the crowd, setting an introspective tone. The electrifying chords of "That’s What You Get" brought a wave of nostalgia, transporting fans to Paramore's earlier days. "Caught in the Middle" became a vibrant anthem, with Hayley's dance encapsulating the rhythm of the guitar, creating a harmonious connection between music and movement.

As the night progressed, "Thick Skull" unveiled its rich layers, with Hayley's hands painted red, a visual metaphor that resonated with the audience. The sombre strains of "Last Hope" cast a reflective mood, capturing the essence of vulnerability and resilience. The setlist skillfully navigated the emotional spectrum, with "Decode" bringing a touch of melancholy and "Running Out of Time" injecting a sense of urgency (and an anthem for every ADHDer out there).

As the main set concluded, the anticipation hung in the air, and the encore became a momentous climax. "Still Into You" and "This Is Why" cascaded through the venue, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the enraptured crowd. The night concluded with a collective sense of fulfilment, leaving fans with memories etched in the very fabric of The Domain.

In the grand tapestry of live music experiences, a Paramore concert transcends the conventional notion of a show. It's a vibrant celebration, an exhilarating journey, and a profound connection with kindred spirits. The band's masterful performance, underscored by professionalism and genuine humility, renders them a musical phenomenon worth witnessing.

Hayley Williams has fast cemented herself amongst the great front women of all time, with many non-male and queer vocalists emulating her stage presence, iconic hair moments, and style eras. The last 20 years has seen her effortlessly mould her own creative identity utilising and paying homage to her own creative and musical influences, some of the most notable being Debbie Harry, Michael Jackson, Gwen Stefani, and Bjork.

Hayley Williams is a formidable (definition: awe inspiring, and feeling intimidated by them because of impressive or great skill) example to all aspiring vocalists of how to not only honour the creative self, a band’s own creative entity, but also one’s audience and fans.

The concert at The Domain not only affirmed this sentiment but also etched Paramore's name in Sydney's live music history. The audience, caught in the throes of sonic bliss, departed with a renewed appreciation for the power of music and the enduring magic of Paramore.

Zachary Gray