Paramore, Wembley Arena, Friday 18th December 2009.

So the final gig of the year has now been and gone for Havoc Reviews but getting there wasn't all fun and games. Yes, I'm talking about the weather. As usual Britain gets a few inches of snow and the whole country collapses in a fit of panic which made us pretty much screwed for getting to London. However, the trains managed to pull themselves together at the last minute and so everything turned out fine in the end with the exception of it being bloody freezing.

So onto the venue. Pretty much exactly the same as last time but with a few added improvements which came in the form of the giant screens they put up so everyone could see (although this may have just been because they were filming). Also, I finally stumbled across the mysterious invisible cloakroom that I'd never found before. All in all, pretty much the same as last time. 7/10.

Taking to the stage first were an unknown-to-us band named Now, Now Every Children. They started off well with their relatively calm and relaxing music. However, after about two songs the repetition started to take it's toll and after about four songs I was hopping from one foot to another simply to keep myself entertained. They sound ok on their Myspace so I recommend that you check them out. Just don't go and see them if you're expecting a lively gig. 35/100. http://www.myspace.com/nownoweverychildren

Following them were an unexpected addition to the line up called Paper Route. Like Now Now Every Children, Paper Route seemed to lack something vital for a good live performance, mainly energy. Not to be completely unfair though, like those before them they're not completely bad. 34/100. http://www.myspace.com/paperroute

It was obvious from the roar of applause that ensued when the lights went down next that a lot of the crowd were here to see You Me At Six. From what I'd heard about them I was prepared for something bold and energetic. Thankfully, that's exactly what the crowd got and so I found myself in a mosh pit for most of the set. However, the awful, muffled sound quality meant that they were nowhere near as good as they could have been. Luckily, we'll be seeing them headlining in the new year so watch out for a review where I'm sure they'll be getting more positive feedback. 55/100. http://www.myspace.com/youmeatsix

A word of advice that I'll give from firsthand experience: If you're going to a gig, remember to drink plenty of water. Sadly for myself, it just so happened that I forgot to have a drink all day and so was dehydrated big time by the time Paramore took to the stage. Not to be beaten though, we ventured forward into the chaos of the standing area and ended up being trampled. I was pleasantly surprised, expecting it to be a fairly tame set. Oh how wrong I was. Hoards of teenage boys and girls pushing, shoving and using my head as an arm rest. Paramore played an excellent set, a mixture of songs from all three albums with highlights including That's What You Get, Crushcrushcrush, Where The Lines Overlap, My Heart and an acoustic performance of Misguided Ghosts. However, the real highlight of the night was set closer Brick By Boring Brick which saw those down the front covered in silver confetti. In terms of entertainment though, I have to give it to the man who pulled his girlfriend up on stage and proposed to her amidst thousands of "Awws" from the crowd. Overall then Paramore were a Whole Lot Better than I ever thought they would be and I take back all the bad things I may have previously said about Hayley because she sure did prove me wrong. 85/100. http://www.myspace.com/paramore


NOTE; Gemma's ratings;
Venue: 8/10
Now, Now Every Children: 35/100
Paper Route: 35/100
You Me At Six: 65/100
Paramore: 88/100