Lovin' this LP on first listen. Not what I expected at all.. it's full of sweet harmonies, soul, dance & rock, oh, & I guess we can forgive them for nickin' the intro to the Eagles, 'Heartache Tonight' on 'The Wire'
First things first, Haim are three sisters from L.A. Este Haim, Danielle Haim, Alana Haim and drummer Dash Hutton. Haim have perhaps been one of the hardest working bands around this year,. Having stormed festivals and concert after concert. Radio slots, TV slots, a couple of vinyl eps and now, well now, comes the debut LP, ‘Days are Gone’
The infectious opening song ‘Falling’ has the line ‘I’m a slave to the sound” and I defy anyone not to fall in love with this album by the second play and be dancing around the room on the third listen.
I must admit I expected a rock album on the basis of reports from the live shows but there is nothing that represents a specific genre here. Yes you can hear Prince vibes and you can hear Fleetwood Mac in there, and Christine Mcvie style vocals on ‘If I Could Change Your Mind’ and ‘Honey & I’ (very appropriate this week), but through the utter variation of pace and changing styles this is the ‘Haim’ sound, one that the band make their own.
Relentless touring through to Australia and New Zealand next year, the band are certainty on the crest of a wave, indeed it is actually quite astute to release the album after the band have been on the road for sometime. i.e. It won’t have worn thin by the time to tour is over so album number two perhaps has a little less pressure on it’s creation.
The album of choice for all freshers kicking off their Uni and college challenges over the next few weeks no doubt, but as long as you can still dance around the room or, tap those feet, this one is for you!
Pete
9/11
