Because you obviously need another writer telling you that HAIM is awesome, I am here to tell you the following: HAIM is awesome. The Cali-based sister-band has been surrounded by endless media hype since the release of their Forever EP last year, and while it can get annoying to see an ordinary up-and-coming act in what seems like every single music-related publication over and over and over again, HAIM’s widespread media attention can be totally justified. Not only are these ladies immensely talented – they each play multiple instruments and know how to create totally catchy tracks that sound like traditional pop without actually embodying mainstream pop stars – they also possess a totally refreshing and infectious energy that sounds and feels like youthfulness and the California sun.
So, it’s pretty unsurprising that HAIM’s debut album Days Are Gone is just as awesome as expected. For starters, the number of genres and musical styles that the girls make use of in the 11 tracks is admirable. For purposes of categorization, HAIM’s sound is usually described as “indie pop/rock” , but it goes much further than that. Surely, Days Are Gone does sound like a modern pop or rock album, but it also incorporates more noticeably old-school sounds of those same genres, while putting R&B-inspired beats against patterns of funk and/or folk.
HAIM has been compared to Fleetwood Mac on numerous occasions, with some going so far as to say that singer Danielle’s vocals are comparable to those of Stevie Nicks. I think it’s safe to say that she sounds a lot more like Christine McVie, and you can certainly hear traces of the iconic classic rockers in almost all of their tracks, particularly “Honey & I.” Others are more energetic and sort of rework the sounds of mid-to-late 90’s pop, such as “Days Are Gone,” and “The Wire,” but still utilize their well-defined Rumours-esque guitar riffs.
The instruments and vocals get grittier and more distorted on “My Song 5,” which sounds like it could have been lifted from a Black Keys album, and it probably has the most distinct sound of all the tracks. Though its catchy hook tends to keep it in line with the rest. “If I Could Change Your Mind” almost possesses an early Madonna feel (and is completely addicting) and “Running If You Call My Name” sounds like a vintage song that might have been used in an ’80s movie montage.
Each track is totally unique, but also rooted in popular late 20th century greatness. If you were born in the ’80s or early ’90s, which is presumably the case for a large number of HAIM’s fan-base, then you’ll be able to fully enjoy Days Are Gone. Its expertly crafted songs are fun on the surface, and will most likely leave you feeling nostalgic for your favorite music of the past decades, even if you can’t fully pinpoint the who or why.
Days Are Gone sounds exactly like what it is: a dope sonic collage made by three effortlessly cool California girls. So get some friends together (preferably ones who know the lyrics), go for a joyride, have a sing-a-long, and pretend you’re back living out your youthful days while under the warm LA sun.
Review by Nicole Woszczyna. Foller her on Twitter at @nicolewosz.