They were a glimmer of something fresh and exciting within the stale, slow chug of indie-pop at the time, drawing from folk, roots-rock and, most notably, Fleetwood Mac, and coating it with a glossy LA finish. This trio of Californian sisters is one to watch out for.When Days Are Gone was released in 2013, HAIM felt like a completely different band they do now. In fact, it’s difficult to even compare HAIM to the other bands out there there is a distinctly funky, empowering vibe that resonates even after the album has ended. It’s so stylistically clean, fun, and well crafted that it ultimately makes a striking debut that stands out from the swells of indie-pop bands. Her voice has a forceful femininity, often compared to that of Stevie Nicks.įor a debut, Days Are Gone has essentially no weaknesses. The lead vocals are sung by the middle sister, Danielle, and her voice has androgynous tendencies, but she isn’t blatantly playing with gender roles on this release. The vocal harmonies and overall togetherness on the album makes Days Are Gone sound very clean and tight, most notably on the title track. The band’s moniker comes from the sisters’ last name. It suits the band’s careless, “let’s just have fun” California style. It’s clear that HAIM has a variety of influences, and each is heard differently at different moments, creating a new sound. “Running if You Call My Name” is reminiscent of Kate Bush, and “If I Could Change Your Mind” has an epic funk similar to Prince. The album is never a straight-forward throwback, though it doesn’t rely on only one nostalgic sound. “Honey & I” is one of the softer tracks, especially in contrast to the grit and surprises on “My Song 5” and the rock-n-roll vibe on “The Wire.” However, it’s equally as engaging as the more danceable melodies, in part because of it’s cute lyrics: “The song can’t be played alone/It was made to be played with my honey and I.” The opening track “Falling” has a memorable and positive chorus: “Don’t stop/No, I never give up/And I never look back, just hold your head up/And if it gets rough, it’s time to get rough.” It’s set to a fun and gnarly beat led by guitar picks and percussion that seem fitting for an ’80s prom. Most of the songs are about love, with catchy lyrics. With a sound that’s current, yet referential to older music, HAIM isn’t likely to suffer the fate of trendier indie-pop bands: the looming inevitability of sounding dated in a year’s time.
There’s also a certain timeless nature to the songs. The tracks are so wonderfully constructed that they never get old upon each listen, a new sound or rhythm is discovered. There are vocal alterations, a guitar solo, a brief spell of deep operatic vocals, and an electronic breakdown.Įach track holds these surprising moments- Days Are Gone is like an audible game of I Spy. From the keys, to the synths, to the percussion, intricate moments are constantly popping up, giving listeners a shock of detail. Each track has a touch of funk or R&B that makes it feels like an updated throwback. The female rock powerhouse sings love songs, but with musicianship that puts Taylor Swift to shame.ĭays Are Gone has a distinctive groove to it. HAIM’s indie-pop sound is funky, rich, and wicked unique.
HAIM is a trio of sisters from Los Angeles, and its debut album Days Are Gone sounds like The Roches made an album influenced by new wave and R&B simultaneously.
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