Cacophony is the debut studio album by English singer-songwriter and guitarist Paris Paloma. The album was produced by Paloma and Justin Glasco.[1] It was released on 30 August 2024 through Nettwerk Music Group.[2]
| Cacophony | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Studio album by | |
| Released | 30 August 2024 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 53:36 |
| Label | Nettwerk Music Group |
| Producer |
|
Background and recording
editCacophony is the debut album by English singer-songwriter Paris Paloma, released on 30 August 2024.[3] The album delves into themes of feminine rage, societal expectations of women, and deeply embedded misogyny, reflecting Paloma's personal experiences and observations.[4]
The album's title, Cacophony, symbolizes the chaotic and overwhelming space of Paloma's mind, where her anxiety, OCD, and trauma processing reside.[5] The work draws inspiration from Stephen Fry's book of Greek myth retellings, Mythos, and is loosely structured around the hero's journey, mirroring Paloma's own transition from writing to musical performance.[5]
In the recording process, Paloma collaborated with producer Justin Glasco to craft an album that prioritizes depth in writing and production over viral success.[1] The album features rich vocal layering and ambitious instrumentation, evident in tracks like My Mind (Now) and more subdued songs like Pleaser and Bones on the Beach.[1]
Release and promotion
editTo promote the album, Paloma organized a 'dayofcacophony' on release day, encouraging fans to participate in various activities and events worldwide. One such event took place at London's Morocco Bound Bookshop in Bermondsey, where Paloma joined fans in-store between 10-11 am.[6]
The album was made available in multiple formats, including a Bandcamp exclusive digital version that offered an acoustic track of Last Woman on Earth and a digital art booklet.[7] Physical editions, such as a 2xLP exclusive violet vinyl, were also released.[8] In support of Cacophony, Paloma embarked on a headline tour across Europe in September 2024, with Sarah Julia as the supporting act. She also performed at various music festivals, including Glastonbury, Best Kept Secret, and BST Hyde Park, where she supported Stevie Nicks.
The album received positive reviews, with critics praising Paloma's songwriting and thematic boldness.[9] Cacophony is available for purchase through various retailers, including Amazon.[10]
Critical reception
editA Book Of praised the album as "a powerful testament to her ability as a songwriter and artist," highlighting Paloma's distinctive voice and thematic boldness.[9] User reviews on Album of The Year have been generally positive, with listeners appreciating the album's lyrical depth and ethereal, woodsy vibe. One user remarked, "All of the songs are just as good as if not better than the singles!"[11]
Another review from Her Campus described Cacophony as "an underrated testament to women," noting that Paloma's emotion conveyed through her songs "never fails to give me chills."[12]
Harriet MacDonald of the Indiependent called the album a demonstration of "unimaginable skill.[13]
Track listing
editAll tracks are written by Paris Paloma
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "My Mind (Now)" | Paris Paloma | 2:57 |
| 2. | "Pleaser" | Paloma | 4:49 |
| 3. | "His Land" | Paloma | 4:08 |
| 4. | "Drywall" | Paloma | 3:43 |
| 5. | "Labour" | Paloma | 3:58 |
| 6. | "Boys, Bugs and Men" | Paloma | 3:07 |
| 7. | "Knitting Song" | Paloma | 3:28 |
| 8. | "As a Good Reason" | Paloma | 2:50 |
| 9. | "Triassic Love Song" | Paloma | 4:01 |
| 10. | "Escape Pod" | Paloma | 3:23 |
| 11. | "Last Woman on Earth" | Paloma | 4:20 |
| 12. | "Bones on the Beach" | Paloma | 3:28 |
| 13. | "Hunter" | Paloma | 3:20 |
| 14. | "The Warmth" | Paloma | 4:31 |
| 15. | "Yeti" | Paloma | 4:13 |
| Total length: | 53:36 | ||
References
edit- ^ a b c Jocelyn, Hannah. "Paris Paloma: Cacophony". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- ^ Young, Martyn. "PARIS PALOMA – CACOPHONY". Readdork.com. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
- ^ Campbell, Erica. "Paris Paloma Writes Her Own Story". Paper Magazine. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ "Paris Paloma- Cacophony". Darkside Records. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ a b Stock, Amanda (29 August 2024). "ALBUM REVIEW: Paris Paloma – Cacophony". www.xsnoize.com. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ Sharpe, Josh. "Paris Paloma Releases Debut Album 'Cacophony'". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ "Cacophony (Bandcamp Exclusive), by Paris Paloma". Paris Paloma. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- ^ "Cacophony [2xLP] [Exclusive Violet]". Magnolia Record Store. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ a b "ALBUM REVIEW: PARIS PALOMA'S CACOPHONY". A BOOK OF MAGAZINE. 5 September 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ "Cacophony album on Amazon". Amazon.com.
- ^ "User Reviews for Paris Paloma - Cacophony". Album of The Year. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
- ^ "An Underrated Testament to Women-'Cacophony' Album Review". 2024-10-07. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- ^ MacDonald, Harriet (September 6, 2024). "Album Review: Cacophony - Paris Paloma". The Indiependent. Retrieved December 21, 2024.