There is definitely a reason the Los Angeles-based sister trio, HAIM — rhymes with “time” — has surfaced above the overrated and over-synthesized L.A. bands. HAIM has been a breath of much-needed fresh air ever since they released their first EP, “Forever,” last year. Almost a decade since their formation, they have released their first full-length album, “Days Are Gone.”
A POWERFUL GIRL BAND
Este, Danielle and Alana grew up influenced by classic '90s R&B girl groups like Destiny's Child and TLC. You can clearly hear their adolescent pop influences infused in their music. Their opening track "Falling," also has hints of their teenage Michael Jackson obsession wrapped up in their tight harmonies and syncopated breathy "ahs" and "ohs." With lyrics like "I'll never give up / and I'll never look back / just hold your head up," they establish themselves as a powerful female force.
The girls have gained recognition lately after collaborating with the likes of A$AP Rocky and Kid Cudi. Middle sister, Danielle, has made waves in the indie music scene touring with geniuses like Jenny Lewis and Julian Casablancas. These sisters have been involved in music since they were teenagers playing for local charities in their family band known as Rockinhaim.
Jams like "Forever" and "The Wire," singles off of their new album, maintain punching beats, and the sisters manage to include a brilliant moment of acapella harmony in each. In “The Wire,” the sisters carol, “Always keep your heart locked tight, don't let your mind retire / But I just couldn't take it / I tried hard not to fake it." They manage to make breakup songs danceable and fun.
SPARKING AN EIGHTIES REVIVAL
Recently, almost every music blog has compared HAIM to Fleetwood Mac, and not to beat a dead horse, but there is no denying the fact that these girls have revived this beloved genre of pop-folk. It’s songs like "If I Could Change Your Mind" and "Honey & I" that cause listeners to reminisce about the harmonies between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham. With the groovy bass licks added by Este and bursts of Danielle’s guitar solos, the girls sound less like Fleetwood Mac’s folky “Rumors” and more like their ‘80s release, “Tango in the Night,” which has a greater synthesized feel that resonates with HAIM’s aesthetic.
In the midst of the overdone ‘80s revival happening in current music, HAIM pulls this decade off as well with complete confidence. The sisters bring back the best parts of ‘80s music, while leaving the horrifying hairstyles — mullets and perms — behind. HAIM isn’t trying to prove that they are another ‘80s wannabe band, but rather, they show their flare for experimenting with just the right amount of synth and reverb heard in songs like “Don’t Save Me.”
The edgy tune "My Song 5" incorporates a fuzzed-out electric guitar making up one of their darkest sounding songs on the album. Transitioning into the most mellow track, "Go Slow,” the trio shares the most bitter lyrics about a young romance gone wrong. The youngest sister, Alana, belts out the chorus, "Because you took away all my young life / And I hate who I've become from your heat now.” Songs like “Go Slow” prove that the HAIM sisters can produce something deeper than just dancey pop songs.
With the release of a first album, it’s rare for a band to find a consistent style; listeners can hear that HAIM is still discovering their niche. Although they dabble in many different musical styles, the girls make it clear in "Let Me Go" that they are “not one for leaving.” It’s apparent that with the release of “Days Are Gone” these sisters are just beginning their career and will be around a while.
