My very first concert was Fall Out Boy as the headliners with bands Awolnation and PVRIS as the openers. Having never heard of PVRIS, I was surprised and amazed after their performance. At the time, my taste in music was very narrow because new music scared me; but PVRIS pushed that fear aside and brought out this excitement for new music that I didn’t know existed. Since then, they have grown to be one of my favorite bands.
PVRIS is a female-lead rock band that has been around since 2012 and used to be titled Operation Guillotine (2012) and Paris (2012-2013). Hailing from Lowell, Massachusetts, the band currently consists of two members: Lynn Gunn and Brian MacDonald. Their discography presents four studio albums and two EPs.
One of the most attractive things about this band is the lead singer. Gunn is such a powerful female figure and her being the embodiment of a modern rock band is incredibly inspiring. She takes the stereotype that women can’t rock and kicks it to the curb. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching her and the band change over the past 8 years or so.
Her intensity in every song, video, and performance is unlike any other. When I saw them live, the stage was huge; but she took up the whole stage with her spirit. She owned that stage and whenever she is doing anything else, she owns it. She isn’t cocky or starstruck, but passionate and a true role model.
The band recently went through a rough patch when former member Alex Babinski had sexual misconduct claims against him in 2020. In a Tweet, the band addressed the situation professionally, saying, “We absolutely and emphatically will not tolerate sexual harassment, coercion and all other forms of sexual misconduct – online and offline,” and that Babinski is no longer associated with the band. This, however, did not stop their success. Gunn officially gave herself permission to claim credit for PVRIS’ music and they have been true and thriving since then.
The music she writes truly evokes feminine power and confidence. Songs such as My Way, Wish You Well, My House, and Separate are prime examples of this. These songs, along with many others, are main character songs; this means that listening to them makes you feel like you’re the only person in the world or the main character. Their music gives power to the powerless.
PVRIS can also tap into pure emotions through some of their songs. One of my favorites is and will always be Mind over Matter. Acoustic songs, at least in the rock world, can be very hit or miss; especially when the song only exists as acoustic and is not re-recorded as acoustic. This song is an exceptional exception. The lyrics and instrumentals are so raw and give such strong emotions of heartache yet healing. The simple yet strong guitar compliments Gunn’s tender vocals that bring the lyrics to life.
Mind over matter has always been a motto I’ve lived by, and this song makes it that much more impactful. The way the lyrics were written and how Gunn softly expresses them almost makes it feel as if she is talking directly to the listener(s). This is especially felt in the chorus when she says, “So just trust me, you'll be just fine, I need your trust just for tonight. This is not a place in my head, reach out your hands and tell me just what you feel. This is not just all in your head, mind over matter makes these things feel so real.”
I feel like it takes a truly special artist or group to offer more in their music than their initial vibe given. PVRIS has provided on multiple occasions music that is so impactful it has changed my life. Not only is their music inspiring, but their story as a group and Gunn’s story are galvanizing.
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