HAIM / DAYS ARE GONE REVIEW
Haim’s debut album ‘Days Are Gone’ proves that there’s more to
this kooky Californian trio, caught up in the midst of cool. Their perfect mix of sweet, soft rock/pop
melodies in ‘Days Are Gone’ means that the summer happiness will never leave
our side.
It’d be difficult to find
somebody who has not heard of the ‘Haim Hype’. With their great melodies and
rhythm, these three sisters have developed a large fanbase including the likes
of Arctic Monkeys and Florence and The Machine. So much so that The XX’s Oliver
Sim broke off the heel of his shoe so that he didn’t miss their set. So, if you
managed this summer without hearing ‘have you seen Haim? Those girls ROCK’ or
‘where’s my leather biker jacket? I NEED to channel my inner Haim’ then I’d ask
– where on earth were you?
These sparkling Californian
sisters have finally released their eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Days Are
Gone’ - and with brilliant consequences.
This is a beautifully crafted album with an ode to 80’s beats, beating drums
and teamed up with these girl’s fab voices. The title ‘Days Are Gone’ apparently
references to the quick rush of the album and their record label clearly wanted
this summer’s ‘Haim Hype’ to be in full flux when releasing their debut.
Normally a risky strategy, but ‘Days are Gone’ has proved otherwise.
As soon as you listen to the
Haim girls working their magic on record or on stage, they’ll captivate you.
Their mix of pop, roaring guitars layered with R&B creates a mix that
entices to hear more. The album opens with Falling,
a corker of a tune that incorporates Danielle’s husky voice with a perfect
80’s Phil Collins style pop beat. Critics have regularly branded the band as
70’s/80’s revivalism and they’re not wrong. Upon hearing The Wire, it clearly echos Fleetwood Mac’s eerie guitars and big
melodies. That and the vocals on the title track Days Are Gone give an element of Bonnie Tyler circa 1983. This
revival was best received – fan’s adore Haim’s catchy choruses mixed with their
unique glossy indie pop.
The title track, Days Are Gone is a clever mash-up of
R&B beats with great lyrics from the eldest Haim sister, Danielle. Although
the track differs from the overall tune from the rest of the album, it works
and fits in smoothly due to the catchy beat and melody. One of my personal
favourites is the stunning Let Me Go, this
song’s menacing drum beat and chanting lyrics builds up to an electric ending and one that will want to be heard over and
over. It was Let Me Go that led my
mum to label Haim as ‘the band every girl wanted to be in’. She’s not wrong,
and Days Are Gone gives us one more
reason to say so.
There’s more to come from this
album, the infectious melodies carry on throughout. My Song 5, has a great dance feel with ripping guitars that get
your feet moving. It’s the most contemporary, mainstream tune on the record and
surprisingly took influence from Britney Spears. Next, their catchy single, Forever, I would say is just about the
best pop song of 2013. The upbeat and fun rhythm of clinking percussion
instruments and guitars makes this song just about perfect. In contrast, there
are a couple of songs that take a slower approach than the rest. Running If You Call My Name has a slow
and easy style that is much different to the wham bam style of the others. It
leaves me as confused as you – how did they pull this album off with such grace
and style? It must be the impressive mix of brilliant producer-to-the-stars
James Ford, Haim’s unique style and their perfect influences.
Expect many going wild for Haim
during these coming winter months. Big preparations are being made as high street
stores roll out endless batch productions of leather jackets and teens longing
desire for ‘the Haim’ haircut. So, grab your leather jackets, funky black
boots, kick on ‘Days are Gone’ and dance. But please do remember, once you’ve
gone Haim, you’ll never go back.
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