Not to underestimate the rarity of their composition, the girls have seemed to be on a mission to prove to the world that good wholesome guitar bands do still exist. Initially I was sceptical about the album as a whole, however the record as a whole is a piece of material set to convince. After such a strong preceding run of songs, bar my perhaps least favourite song “If I Could Change Your Mind” (which similarly contributes little to the album), it feels like a real shame to end Days Are Gone weakly. Although highly demonstrative of the girl’s talents, especially showcasing their vocal abilities on “Let Me Go” and “Running If You Call My Name”, the tracks seem to almost slip off the end of the album.
The album’s more slow, ballad-like songs often fall flat in comparison to the rest of the album. However, the album is not all incredible highs, catchy hooks and fantastic riffs. With delightfully laid-back beachy tones, the girls capture an essence of their hometown LA, mixing with high rise tenors and backed an erratic beat, with its cracking snare piercing the mix, throughout. This little group of loveliness is topped off by the thoroughly exultant, “Honey and I”. Whereas “Don’t Save Me” is reminiscent of the dance fuelled 80’s vibe is, with a chorus which is devised to be sung live garnering the collective voice of the crowd. With tracks resembling the poppy tones of their self-proclaimed influences TLC and Destiny’s Child the band also seem to draw on their more modern muses such as Jessie Ware and Azealia Banks. The album’s lead single, “Forever”, continues in a similar vein which certainly turns the tables on the aforementioned angsty tracks and portrays a more loving tone. The infectious rhythms of “Days Are Gone”, euphoric keyboard melodies intertwined with subtly intricate bass lines make for a thoroughly enjoyable three and a half minutes. Taking an initially downbeat tone the addictive guitar riff maintains its strength despite the songs gradual uphill struggle to another empowering summit of rock joy.ĭespite the strength of the more rocky tracks, the album manages to bridge the gap between those 70’s rock influences and a distinctly more 90’s urban stimulus. Perhaps the most irate song of the record comes in the form of “My Song 5”. Similarly rebellious is the aptly named “Let Me Go” which rises into a climax of harsh riffs guitar and furious drumming. Where “Honey and I” creates a moody almost ‘Destiny’s Child, Independent Woman’ vibe lyrically the message is anchored to an angry, dominant guitar riff and thrusting drums, played with real vigour by Alana. The first route I took was that which clearly illustrates their 70’s rock influence. It really sets the tone for the album, which sweeps liberally between slower ballads to more optimistic, rocky anthems.Īfter a swift introduction into the girls talents the record can be somewhat cordoned off stylistically. Days Are Gone, despite it’s juxtapositions, seems to work.ĭays Are Gone starts with the bands third single “Falling”, with it’s echoing tones and repetitive bass riff the song maintains an up beat tempo whilst contrastingly haunting. Whilst such a description might sound like the Haim sisters have simply stuck all their favourite genres in a blender, making a terrible, confusing, criminal mess the opposite is actually true. Distinctly rock anthems, R ‘n’ B grooves, glitzy 80’s pop sounding production and electronics are scattered throughout. As a result their debut album Days Are Gone has proved to be one of the most highly anticipated records of the year thus far.Īs a whole the album presents listeners with an altogether eclectic formation of genres. Now, eight years later, they are signed to Polydor and have garnered a serious amount of hype. After being weaned on classic 70’s rock and influenced by 90’s R ‘n’ B the girls’ musical talents and love of music culminated in the creation Haim in 2005. The sibling trio Este, Danielle and Alana Haim have received much praise and critical acclaim as a result of their initial breakthrough into the industry with singles Forever, Don’t Save Me, Falling and The Wire. If there is one band in the musical ether that stand for pure, unadulterated sisterhood it is the LA rockers Haim.