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Ever since the Haim hit the scene with debut single 'Forever', a track taken from their first EP well over a year ago, the hype surrounding the Californian group has been huge.
Following high profile festival sets, a huge collection of media appearances and interviews, Este's renowned bass face and their on stage banter, it feels like we already know the band quite well. The Haim trio have personality and spark, and are a breath of fresh air on the music scene.
The singles we've heard so far have shown that the sisters create catchy, upbeat pop tracks, but does the album live up to the hype surrounding its release? Find out below...
‘Falling’
The opening track on the album is one that all Haim fans are familiar with. A slow heavy drum thump leads to Danielle's strong lead vocals, peppered with lots of fierce "Heys" (something which transpires to be a Haim trademark throughout the album), a catchy pop chorus and a prominent bass line that features on many of their tracks. It’s instantly clear why Haim manage to tick every box on the cool girlband list. The track's tag line "Never look back, never give up" makes 'Falling' an upbeat, empowering and positive pop song.
'Forever'
Surprisingly one of the weaker album (just an indication of how good the others are), nevertheless this song came as the Haim sisters' debut, released before they’d been signed. Showcasing their immense guitar skills, it's understandable that this offerring propelled them into the big time. Accompanied by a video showcasing their indie babe creditials (long legs, lots of denim, cool sunglasses, riding bikes down the streets of California etc), this is a fine piece of West Coast rock that makes it easy to imagine yourself cruising down a freeway in the LA summer heat.
'The Wire'
Featuring another strong, sassy pop chorus that will be going round your head for days, the effortlessly harmonized vocals and fierce bass line ensure the immensely catchy song has a dancier, dare I say it... groovier vibe. Building throughout with the addition of strings and great guitar riffs, those frequent Fleetwood Mac comparisons seem totally validated.
‘If I Could Change Your Mind'
This comes as the first unheard track on the album and takes the album in a slightly moodier direction. An 80s love affair from the start, the heavy use of synths and a clapping beat makes this the ultimate dance ballad with an R&B edge. The classic Haim bass line injects funk, ensuring the post break up regret theme is something you still want to dance to.
‘Honey & I’
Lacking some of the punch of the other tracks, ‘Honey & I’ seems to be gentler moment on the album. Danielle’s cooing vocals are hugely reminiscent of Joni Mitchell, especially accompanied with the summery guitar rhythms. Don’t be fooled that this a departure into soppy, sentimental territory though, with lyrics including "Doing just fine", the track maintains the same energy and power as the other songs.
‘Don't Save Me’
One of the strongest tracks on the album, this is a fun, bouncy soft rock song, fuelled by their addictive synth and bass combo. The catchy lyrics have an anthemic feel that is drenched in a girl power attitude, making them the main contenders for being the coolest girl band since TLC.
‘Days are Gone’
Youngest sister Alana takes a firm hold on the vocals for the title track and sees the album make a shift towards a very different style. The track is less guitar driven than the others and moves into a much more electro based territory. Working a strong R&B flavour, the girls hit super high notes, returning to a big chorus that holds a strong dance vibe. A synthy electro tune oozing with funk and disco, it’s not surprising that the album title track was co written by Jessie Ware and Kid Harpoon.
‘My Song 5’
Opening with a powerful beat and a no bullshit attitude infused into the vocals, the track shows an angrier side to Haim with a sexy, jazz vibe totally different to the rest of the album. The syncopated rhythm has brass instruments bursting through, creating an edgy and strong rock track.
‘Go Slow’
Haim fans will have already sniffed out the accapella version of this track which the sisters performed backstage at a festival. The studio version is perfect and the delicious blend of vocal harmonies is next level and rhythmically on point.
‘Let Me Go’
Opening with a fast paced rhythm that slowly builds into a frantic percussion-led beat, this is another track with a seriously fierce attitude. The entrance of big guitar riffs ensure this is a big pop rock track with an anthemic finish. Again the three part harmonies add strength and prove the sisters' debut was worth the wait.
‘Running If You Call My Name’
Drawing the album to a close with more of the 80s vibe which seems to pop up across the record, this is an epic conclusion to the record with another catchy chorus, big melodies and power drums. Focusing on post break up heart ache, the vulnerable lyrics provide insight into the often media silent Danielle, whose voice has all the merit of every iconic female frontwoman.
Verdict:
The debut album proves to be power pop at its best. Haim are not just a formulaic rock group, their R&B, blues and electro influences can be strongly felt across the record. It's a bit of a growers and admittedly it took a few listens before absolutely loving it.
It's great to find a band who steer clear of any blandness and possess a strong personality and charm that feels totally fresh and entirely unmanufacuted. In fact, it left me feeling a small urge to become the fourth member of Haim. It looks and sounds like alot of fun.
Days Are Gone is available for pre-order and will be released 30 September, 2013.
