More than half a year since the original, PVRIS have re-released their debut album ‘White Noise’ as a deluxe version. Sounding even bigger and better than they already did, it’s hard to find faults with a band who are (definitely worth of a cliché and) destined for greatness.
Fans are already citing new additions ‘You and I’ and ‘Empty’ as their new favourites, outshining the songs released on the original version of the album, but the real impact comes from third track ‘Smoke’, a brooding but soaring joy of massive guitars, pounding drums and powerhouse vocals, and the synth driven energy of ‘St Patrick’. “You give me something to think about that’s not the shit in my head,” Lynn Gunn sings, a romantic but realistic tone in every breath.
‘My House’ has a middle eight worthy of any headlining slot. A spirited anthem of defiance and realisation, it’s a bold statement in comparison to ‘Holy’, a softer sounding song but one packed full of sarcasm and biting lyricism. Title track ‘White Noise’ is packed full of electronics and shows the band at their best. ‘Fire’ begins with a moody verse and Gunn’s vocals at their most exposed, then bursts into life with a huge chorus, while ‘You and I (Stripped)’ is fuller and grander than most other bands’ non-stripped versions.
The DVD element of the album showcases the complete collection of the band’s music videos: one for each and every song. With a consistent monochromatic theme throughout, there’s a theatrical aspect that – despite the lack of live performance you’d find on similar CD/DVD releases – makes for a thrilling watch from start to finish. Settle down and watch it and you’ll find it difficult to draw your eyes away from the captivating band, all dressed in black.
Undeniably, PVRIS’ ‘White Noise’ is rock music, but the pop melodies and electronic sound effects mean they have what it takes to win over vast allegiances of fans. With an album like this already under their belt, it’s impossible to imagine a world where they don’t follow in the footsteps of their tour mates and rise to stratospheric, arena filling heights.
KATHRYN BLACK