After spending over 14 years behind the kit with Paramore, founding member Zac Farro steps into the spotlight with his solo album, Operator -- a project that trades high-energy rhythms for something softer, more meditative. Known for his powerful drumming, Farro now leans into texture, tone and emotion, crafting a sound that feels less like a performance and more like a conversation. It's a direction that echoes the dreamier, experimental style he first explored during his 2010 break from the band with his solo venture, HalfNoise -- a stepping stone that clearly shaped the DNA of Operator.
Farro describes the album as "an outward processing of inner thoughts," a space where everyday experiences -- from minor misunderstandings to life-altering losses -- are filtered through layers of sound and self-reflection. As he puts it:
"Some moments are as small as someone not answering the phone; others are as big as losing a family member. The older I get, the more precious life becomes."
This quiet vulnerability runs throughout the record, both lyrically and sonically.
The title track, "Operator," sets the tone with a nostalgic glow -- like flipping through an old photo album soundtracked by '70s vinyl. It's introspective without being heavy, hazy without being distant. Picture Neil Young's soul-searching paired with Carly Simon's melodic elegance and just a splash of The Doors' smoky, psychedelic ambiance. The arrangement is loose but purposeful, built on flickering synths, light-touch percussion and drifting guitar lines. You can feel the spontaneity in every corner -- Farro and his band didn't chase perfection; they captured a feeling.
"We just showed up and let it unfold," Farro recalls. "I stopped overplanning and trusted the energy in the room."
Lyrically, "Operator" wrestles with the disconnect that can exist even in close relationships. The recurring metaphor of "phone tag -- emotional misfires and delayed understanding -- underscores the tension. The line "Finally got the message / You've been trying to send me / But I keep on missing the point" echoes the quiet frustration of missed signals and the longing to truly hear and be heard.
Further into the record, the track "1" shifts the emotional lens from internal reflection to external appreciation. It's a glowing tribute to Farro's partner but speaks more broadly to the beauty of being original in a world that often rewards conformity. The lyrics celebrate those who live authentically and inspire others by simply being themselves.
Musically, "1" is a burst of energy. It rides a tight, funky groove with flashes of vintage charm -- layering fuzzy guitars, bouncing basslines and bright keys with precision and flair. The descending guitar riff that bookends the track is instantly catchy, and the saxophone/key interplay at the outro injects a jubilant, almost celebratory finish. Paramore's Brian Robert Jones adds his signature touch throughout, giving the song its grit and soul.
By the time the record closes, one thing is clear: Operator isn't just a side project -- it's a fully realized chapter of Zac Farro's artistry. He's not chasing hits or trying to recreate past success. Instead, he's exploring new territory, guided by instinct and emotion rather than expectation. This album doesn't scream for attention -- it whispers, waits and resonates.
More than a change in sound, Operator is a shift in perspective. It's a reminder that reinvention doesn't need to be dramatic to be meaningful. For Farro, growth sounds like simplicity, sincerity and finding beauty in the quiet moments -- and in that, Operator leaves a lasting impression.