PVRIS

Pvris (stylized **PVRIS** and pronounced "Paris") is a pop-rock act formed in Lowell, Massachusetts. The primary lineup of the band consisted of Lynn Gunn, Alex Babinski, and Brian MacDonald; however, it has generally been operating as a solo act of Gunn since early 2023.

PVRIS has released four studio albums: White Noise (2014), All We Need of Heaven, All We Know of Hell (2017), Use Me (2020), and Evergreen (2023).

## Biography

### Beginnings

Formed in Lowell, Massachusetts in 2009, PVRIS was originally named Operation Guillotine and featured five members; lead vocalist Kyle Anthony and drummer Brad Griffin would later leave the band and leave the main lineup as Lynn Gunn as the lead vocalist, Alex Babinski as lead guitarist, and Brian MacDonald as bassist. On March 23, 2013, the band released their first self-titled EP with six tracks; their genre at the time had been categorized as post-hardcore.

### White Noise

With the band revealing that they would be recording with Blake Harnage of Versa and signing with Rise Records (the first female-fronted signing of theirs), they began recording their first studio album. This album removed most of the post-hardcore elements of the band's EP and featured some electronic elements. On June 24, 2014, they released their first music video for the album, featuring a song named "St. Patrick." The song proceeded to spend 20 week on the Kerrang! Rock chart, leading them to secure a spot on the Battle of the Bands stage at Warped Tour that year. The Huffington Post referred to PVRIS during this time as "Rise Records' smartest acquisition yet."

White Noise was released November 4, 2014. During this time frame, they supported bands such as Sleeping With Sirens on tours, and covered Sia's "Chandelier" for the sixth volume of Punk Goes Pop. In July 2015, they released music videos for their songs Holy and Fire. They also made their network television debut, playing My House and White Noise on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

On February 17th, 2016, PVRIS released You and I, which also later appeared on the deluxe version of the White Noise album. The song is notably a favourite of WWE wrestler Seth Rollins, and was featured in a documentary about him that year, leading to more publicity.

PVRIS had their first headlining tour from May 11 to June 10, 2016.

### All We Need of Heaven, All We Know of Hell

On July 27, 2016, Lynn Gunn disclosed that 45 songs had been written for their second album, and confirmed that recording had been wrapped on February 13. On April 30, 2017, their first track from the album, Heaven, was released. The album was released on August 4, 2017, to mostly positive reception among critics and fans alike.

### Use Me

Newly signed with Warner Records, PVRIS released the first song from their third album, Death Of Me, that was also featured on their upcoming Hallucinations EP. The EP was released October 25, 2019. They later announced that they would be touring with Halsey on her upcoming tour, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this tour was eventually cancelled. Use Me was officially announced on March 4, 2020 as having a May 1 release date, however it was delayed until July 10, and a second time until August 28, when it was finally released to critical acclaim.

The album also started to further progress the idea of PVRIS becoming a solo product of Gunn, as guitarist Alex Babinski was fired from the band by Gunn and MacDonald due to sexual assault allegations made against him. He denied the allegations but understood the decision made from a business perspective.

### Transitional period

Due to conflicts with their record label, the time between their third and fourth album was less structured than usual. Over this period, the band released the songs Monster and My Way, however Gunn stated that both of these songs would not be featured on the next album. Gunn, as PVRIS, also contributed to Epic Games properties such as League of Legends, Arcane, and Valorant over this period.

### Evergreen

After their release from Warner Records, PVRIS signed with Hopeless Records to prepare for the release of their fourth album. On October 20, 2022, a short film was released featuring the songs Anywhere But Here and Animal. The album would eventually be released on July 14, 2023.

## Discography

\*denotes non-studio album

Paris (2013)\*

Paris Acoustic (2014)\*

White Noise (2014)

All We Need of Heaven, All We Know of Hell (2017)

Hallucinations (2019)\*

Use Me (2020)

Evergreen (2023)

## Band Members

### **Current members**

Lynn Gunn – vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, programming (2012–present), drums (2013–present), lead guitar (2020–present), bass (2023–present)

### **Former members**

Kyle Anthony – unclean vocals (2012)

Brad Griffin – drums, backing vocals (2012–2013)

Alex Babinski – lead guitar, keyboards (2012–2020)

### **Touring musicians**

Denny Agosto – drums (2020–present)

Justin Nace – drums (2014–2020)

Brian MacDonald – bass, keyboards (full time 2012–2023, live only 2023–present)

## Trivia

* The band's name was originally Paris, but was changed for legal reasons. The original pronunciation was kept.