PVRIS, (pronounced Paris), is not another American rock band. Although they hail from Lowell, Massachusetts, their music is a beautiful blend of genres. Some publications will have them listed as an alt-rock trio. For the most part, they are an alt-rock trio. The band, formed by members Lyndsey Gunnulfsen, Alex Babinski, and Brian MacDonald, signed with Rise Records in 2014, (only two years ago!), making them ‘the first female-fronted act on the famed metalcore label's roster.’ After playing at Warped Tour, they supported numerous bands who have gained mainstream attention, with their ever-growing fan base; bands like Mayday Parade, Pierce the Veil and Sleeping with Sirens. If you were ever a scene kid, you know who they are.
However, despite the attention they’ve gained since 2014, PVRIS is not very well-known. From the mid-2000s to the early 2010s, alternative metal & rap rock band Linkin Park were at the peak of their popularity. I for one was a huge fan of Linkin Park. (Supposedly Linkin Park is currently working on a new album, fingers crossed). At the same time, alternative rock band Paramore was also extremely popular, especially among young girls.
Right now, we are in 2016, and both bands are ultimately at a decline in popularity. Yes, Linkin Park and Paramore were still active these last few years, but Paramore has lost a lot of their fan base ever since two of their original members left the band. After the recent departure of their bassist, they are down to two members. Hayley Williams might as well start a solo career. Although Lynn Gunn of PVRIS does not have the same impressive range as Hayley Williams, she still has a cool voice that melds well with their electronic & rock sound.
PVRIS’ debut album, “White Noise,” was released in November 2014 and fans were pleasantly surprised and/or seriously shocked to find out that a deluxe edition of the album will be released this year on April 22nd, which features two new tracks, “You and I” and “Empty,” as well as a stripped-down version of “You and I.”
The album, as a whole, is an enthralling listen with my favorite being “Mirrors.” The album is not just one genre and thus, it has been described as electro-pop, post-hardcore, and synthpop. After being a fan of both Linkin Park and Paramore since middle school, I am beyond in love with the addictive electronic & rock sound that PVRIS has.
If you’ve never heard of PVRIS, listen to their tracks on YouTube. Since the first track on the album came out, they’ve released a series of ghostly and paranormal music videos which really capture their showmanship and creative energy. Earlier this year, they made their late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel, and they truly deserve the attention. With an almost sold-out tour of the UK & Europe, they deserve to be noticed. I cannot wait to hear new music from them and I patiently wait for the day I find out that they’re on a tour of the US. Until that day comes, I will be listening to their album “White Noise” and the new single “You and I” on repeat.
