Entwined in emotion, Tennessee musician and frontwoman of popular band Paramore, Hayley Williams sends us on a journey with her surprise new album Flowers for Vases / descansos. Recorded at home, the album is a nod to her songwriting ability, her eye for detail, and her emotional connection to life. There is no doubting her talent for seeing things differently, seeing the world differently, and making music that conjures up memories’ good and bad. Emotion drives her, it embodies everything she has worked for.

Through her muse, Williams manages to disband from the outer realms of unwanted noises and voices. She is consumed in her art, and no one can crack her resolve when she is in her element. This album does not raise the volume either, and it certainly is not a raucous opus, but under all the acoustics and instruments, there is an undercurrent linked to despair. And sadness exudes here, it is heard in the vocals and the words, and Williams does not shy away.

Breaking boundaries through music takes immense talent, and Williams is a talented musician who has spearheaded a band and a solo career. Paramore, of course, are a band that have propelled beyond expectation under the watchful and shrewd eyes of Williams. Pop punk bled into the fabric in the early days, but Paramore began to utilise their talents in a new light. The band started to craft poppy songs with attitude and verve, and by doing this, it has fluently melded into what Williams produces today.

By pioneering these acoustic songs, which are drenched in melancholy and intensity, Williams has become a trailblazer in in a solo capacity. Her venture into a solo presence has worked wonders, and her previous solo record Petals for Armor has become a trusty chord. Flowers for Vases / decansos carries on the intensity and even eclipses past contributions, placing Williams on the high pedestal once again.

“First Thing to Go” starts the record. It is solemn, with soft acoustic vibes. Williams sings with vigour, pushing the acoustics to breaking point, it is almost haunting. The song is textured and diverse. “Trigger” begins with tinges of piano and an acoustic backdrop, and Williams sings for truth, it is a dark, progressive track. Lyrically, Williams has totally rinsed herself of the pop punk dramatics for fables. “Wait On” again hits against the grain, perfectly showcasing a voice that craves reason. The acoustic guitar glints here, the soft vocals do not escalate, but ease us into a world of sadness. “Find Me Here” again is lyrically sound, with Williams vocalising about the strains, the downsides. It is a soothing but sad track.

Flowers for Vases / decansos is an album baring all. It is a sad record; it is an empowering one also. Williams releases her rage at times and shows us she has demons too.