The three Californian sisters that seem to be everywhere right now have finally dropped their long awaited debut album Days Are Gone. They already have a string of hit singles, massive tours and a Glastonbury main stage set under their belt, and since their debut three-track EP, Forever, Haim has been the word on everyone’s lips. Topping the prestigious BBC ‘ Sound of 2013 Award’, they have a lot to live up to with this release.
Originally from LA, Este, Danielle and Alana were in a band with their parents as teenagers called Rockinhaim. Now these three multi-talented sisters have created a sound that has perfectly captured people’s summers. Often compared to the 80s soft-rock powerhouse that was Fleetwood Mac, this album sits somewhere between rock, folk, RnB and pop. They have attitude by the bagful and seem a strong and united team of young women enjoying the world together whilst making music.
I would say that the only real downside to the album is that five of the 11 tracks have already been released. Most artists use several tracks as singles, but ideally I would have liked to have predominantly new material. Their newest single, ‘The Wire’, makes for an excellent accompaniment for this release, but I have now heard some of the other tracks so many times that I feel the need for some fresh material. It also means that the Haim set will probably remain similar for the coming months. Having said that, Haim live is quite the sight. Having seen them first supporting Florence & The Machine at the O2 Arena I was instantly hooked, and I then watched them grow into Glastonbury mainstagers, a role that they confidently took in their stride.
‘Go Slow’ is, according to the band, the ‘baby making’ track of the record, and it really showcases the vocal talents they hold, with Danielle on lead her two sisters sit perfectly on either side of her, the three part harmonies creating a warmth and beauty about every track they make. New track ‘Honey & I’ is a sweet, hippy track, ‘My Song 5’ is an industrial hip-hop rock track that shows the originality of this band. Title track ‘Days Are Gone’ takes a turn to the synth pop styles of the 80s with a few guitar licks from Danielle and a distinctive Motown feel. The hands down best track on the album, ‘Let Me Go’, their live set closer, is theatrical, atmospheric, tense, exciting and explosive. It sees all three girls taking up drum duties. This is the sort of track that forces Haim to the front of the crowd.
Release Date 30/09/2013 (Polydor)
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I have always had a passion for music. Growing up I spent many a Friday night glued to TOTP and many a Sunday attempting to record the Top 40 to tape. In secondary school I learnt the guitar and drums as well as being in every choir, sound crew and production I could. Finally, It was at University in Chester where I began to start writing reviews. Until then I didn't really think anyone would want to know my opinion. We had a guest lecturer come in and he had us do a minute task where we listened to a song and them had to write a descriptive one liner about it. I realised from this point that I could combine creative writing, music knowledge and opinion into something productive and interesting. That's when I signed up to Silent Radio. It was the perfect thing for me to get involved with, I could voice my opinion on the student airwaves and then write it for the website.Now I am a Music Production and Radio graduate, living in London and working my first industry job. I spend my days working at Metropolis Studios and my nights attempting to write well educated, witty and interesting reviews.When it comes to my taste in music I guess it's rather varied. I will pretty much give anything a listen. The genres closet to my heart would probably be rock, soul, funk and dance but thankfully my job is broadening my listening horizons even further. As a reviewer I would say I have a fan type approach and sometimes I am a little to generous when turning that dial but they are always honest and I hope to some degree, relevant. My hopes are to continue writing for SR, growing as a reviewer and expanding my music knowledge.
