3rd February 2024
by Haz Pirie
Tennessee born Pop-Punk powerhouse Paramore released their take on the iconic talking heads track on the 31st of January. Front woman Hayley Williams kicks off the cover with strong emotive vocals from the get-go, followed by some wonderful 80’s harmonies , expertly paying homage to the new wave movement pioneered by the Talking Heads, whilst incorporating the feminine rage regularly associated with Paramore’s infamous chart toppers.
Founding member of the Talking Heads , David Byrne stated burning down the house was ‘An expression of liberation, to break free from whatever was holding you back’ – a feeling perfectly encapsulated in Paramore’s cover. The production adds a element of angelic whimsy to the iconic track, managing to both modernise and incorporate the original emotions invoked by the feel good melody.
The cover comes as part of ‘Everyone’s Getting Involved : A tribute to talking heads’ Stop Making Sense’, other artists including Lorde, The National and girl in red will also feature on the album, which comes a year after A24’s restoration of the Talking heads’ 1984 concert film. In the teaser for Paramore’s accompanying music video Hayley Williams is seen wearing the oversized suit synonymous with the Talking Heads’ , which famously featured in many 80’s music videos.
With Paramore’s new release being a cover it can be hard to distinguish what makes the song feel so refreshing however the trio have managed to bring a breath of fresh air with their revival of burning down the house , the fast pace and groovy background synth manage to invoke a childlike urge to dance like no one is watching . The song comes to a close with the repetition of the lyric ‘burning down the house’ interrupted by eccentric instrumentals heavily inspired by the iconic 80’s new wave movement.
Overall, Paramore have absolutely smashed their version of Burning Down the house, leading listeners to hope for even more art rock tunes from the band. Give it a listen and see if you think Paramore should embrace the avant-garde art rock world or stick to their pop- punk roots.
Listen to ‘Burning Down the House’ here:
Bacchanalia Magazine 