New album reviews: Hayley Williams, The Armed, Wisp
After another week of new music releases, Hayley Williams of Paramore made a surprising move by dropping 17 new songs on her website hayleywilliams.net. These songs showcased a wide range of genres, from shoegazy ’90s alt-rock to indie folk to noisy screams. The unique release method allowed fans to listen to the songs exclusively on her website via a media player that resembled something out of Windows 98. Within two days, Williams took the songs down with a simple thank you message before releasing them on streaming platforms as individual singles. The lack of context provided by Williams with the initial drop left fans wondering about the origins of these songs. Were they all new material, or were they previously shelved recordings? Is it considered an album, or as some sources suggest, titled Ego? As of now, the release is presented as 17 singles, leaving much of the interpretation up to the listeners’ imagination.
Among the 17 songs, a standout is “Mirtazapine,” an ode to the antidepressant of the same name. This track delves into a ’90s, shoegazy alt-rock sound reminiscent of bands like Garbage, Smashing Pumpkins, and The Breeders. Another highlight is “EDAABP” (“Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party”), a trip-hop influenced song that provides a unique perspective on Nashville through the lens of various scenarios. Some songs like “True Believer” offer a brooding reflection on the South while combining poetic indie rock elements. The album features a mix of loud band-driven tracks and quiet acoustic numbers, making it a diverse collection of Williams’ musical ideas presented without a specific track order.
With this release, Hayley Williams takes a personal approach to songwriting, weaving vivid imagery and introspective lyrics throughout the songs. References to therapy, family dynamics, and personal struggles make the project feel deeply introspective and emotionally resonant. Notably, these songs mark Williams’ first solo venture after parting ways with her longtime label Atlantic Records, instead founding her own label, “Post Atlantic.” This departure from major label influence allows for a raw and unpolished songwriting style that feels authentic and genuine.
In contrast to Williams’ introspective release, The Armed return with their album “The Future Is Here and Everything Needs to Be Destroyed.” Collaborating with Meghan O’Neil of Punch, the band ventures into a heavy, hardcore punk sound reminiscent of their earlier work. This album represents a departure from their previous pop-influenced record “Perfect Saviors,” delving deeper into aggressive and intense musical territory. The unmistakable energy and ferocity of The Armed shine through in this latest release, showcasing their versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical styles.
Overall, this week’s new releases offer a diverse array of musical experiences, from Hayley Williams’ introspective solo project to The Armed’s return to their hardcore roots. Each release brings something unique to the table, showcasing the creativity and innovation present in the current music landscape. As fans continue to explore these new releases, the music world remains vibrant and exciting, offering something for every listener to enjoy.