By Hannah Roberts, First Year, English
Distinct in shock-yellow style, and bursting with personality, Hayley Williams’ surprise third album Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party has captured hearts and headphones across the globe. With the Grammys recently announcing her a four-time nominee this awards season, it’s no wonder fans flocked to celebrate the release. For one night only, The Red Church turned into a Hayley Williams dreamscape. EGO NITE was certainly one to remember.
Initially released entirely as singles, the album’s core stemmed from a breakup between Paramore’s lead singer and guitarist. This has led to many fans affectionately dubbing them the ‘Punk, millennial Fleetwood Mac’.
The deep-cutting exploration of an eldest-daughter’s burdens in lyrics ‘carrying my mother’s mother’s torment’ and ‘I think I’m where the bloodline ends’ in ‘Kill Me’ left fans itching for further intel woven into the promised yet unheard finale. The mix of indie, alt pop, alt rock, and textured synth-pop shone through, creating a rich array of sound mirroring the depth of the storytelling.
Through double doors you were greeted with warm smiles and welcomed merch. From posters and wrist bands to totes and stickers, all were accompanied by a vinyl or CD. Via the star’s own independent label, Hayley partnered with independent record stores, which was vital for EGO NITE as Hayley herself often reiterates the importance of supporting your local music scene and discovering music ‘romantically’.
This particular EGO NITE was brought to fans by Rough Trade, a shop that needs no introduction to Bristol’s music fanatics. Hanging lights illuminating the space, the excitement was palpable.
It’s not often that you’ll start spouting oddly specific facts from the 2014 Paramore fanbase and not get a single person looking at you like you’re a bit strange! Clearly everyone was equally invested in both the music and the musician. The seating allowed for socialising, yet many opted to stand, sing, and dance to the 19-track album, boasting joy and a strong sense of togetherness.
Drink-in-hand, a show of true community was in full-force despite there being an array of age groups in attendance. The night was about sharing a moment of joy and emotion, with the room holding its breath, air thick with anticipation for the first note of the new single and final song ‘Showbiz’.
Appreciation of sonic experimentation was clear, and gasps at the lyrics were followed by applause. Just as the final chorus faded, the screen flickered as a video message from the Grammy nominee herself appeared.
The artist came across as both casual and yet incredibly grateful and moved by the support, joking in true Hayley Williams fashion, ‘I promise not to jump-scare you with any more new songs off of the record’. After a raffle for a signed CD and a few more drinks, any gap between fan and artist had been bridged, and belief in vocal ability had tripled, meaning one thing: it was time for karaoke.
This was a shared euphoric conclusion to what had been, as per Hayley Williams fanatic Codey Humphrey, ‘One of the best nights out in Bristol’. Turning fans into performers, true lyrical connection beamed through each belted line. It was fans encouraging fans no matter the skill-level, and strangers duetting as though they were old friends.
A judgement-free zone, one that I can only imagine occurring in this set of fans. Fans that have had Paramore’s music blasting from their bedrooms since the days of shouting ‘It’s not a phase, Mom!’.
Sofia Zarkov
After swaying to ballad ‘Blood Bros’, the devastating bridge of the hit ‘Parachute’ was screamed by absolutely everyone in the venue. True magic: We all felt as though we were the biggest star in that Bristol karaoke bar.
In a world of endless streaming, nights like EGO NITE serve as a reminder that music still means the most when it is felt and fills a room.
Featured image: Post AtlanticWhat is your favourite track on the album?
