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| Rolling Stone |
HAIM - Something To Tell You (Columbia Records)
Released: July 7th, 2017
The Haim sisters are back with their second full-length record, Something To Tell You. Este, Danielle and Alana Haim first got recognition from their Falling EP and again from their solid debut release Days Are Gone (2013), which included the stellar singles "Forever" and "The Wire". Known for their alternative and pop-rock sound, Haim came through with a pretty decent sophomore record.
"Want You Back" leads off the album in spectacular fashion. These soft and subtle verses that escalate into an awesome chorus make for a great single. The upbeat "Nothing's Wrong" is another solid track. Again, we see laid-back verses that explode into a wide chorus. The other single "Little of Your Love" is a great pop-rock tune. The instrumentation contains some repetitive piano hits as well as some horn work that sit in the mix nicely.
My favorite on the whole album "You Never Knew" is this gorgeous soft-rock track. I love the very Fleetwood Mac-esque drumming and instrumentation. Also, the gentle acoustic guitar and synth work is an added bonus. A very soothing and catchy chorus make for an awesome summer song. "Found It In Silence" is the largest the band sounds on Something To Tell You. The constant string (violin and cello) strokes throughout the song along with the quick drum pattern lead the listener into a very driven chorus.
The sisters try their hand at an almost pop/hip-hop sound with the song "Walking Away". On the track, Danielle's voice coasts over a simple R&B beat with the help from some higher pitched backup vocals. One of the last tracks "Right Now" is this smooth piano ballad that ends in a Haim sister drum-off. The guitar and instrumental explosion that occurs around the 1:18 mark is so powerful and definitely bumps up the energy of the song.
With lyrical content full of relationship issues and matters, Haim continues their success on their second full length album. There were multiple songs that didn't catch my attention nor surprised me, but on the other hand there were tracks that truly represented Haim's maturity in songwriting and proved they weren't just a "1 album band". Listen Below...
Genre: Pop-Rock/Alt-Rock/Indie-Rock/Pop/Alternative/Alt-Pop
Listen: HAIM - Want You Back & HAIM - You Never Knew
With lyrical content full of relationship issues and matters, Haim continues their success on their second full length album. There were multiple songs that didn't catch my attention nor surprised me, but on the other hand there were tracks that truly represented Haim's maturity in songwriting and proved they weren't just a "1 album band". Listen Below...
Genre: Pop-Rock/Alt-Rock/Indie-Rock/Pop/Alternative/Alt-Pop
Listen: HAIM - Want You Back & HAIM - You Never Knew
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| Chicago Tribune |
Coldplay - Kaleidoscope EP (Parlophone Records)
Released: July 13th, 2017
A band that needs no introduction, as they are one of pop-music's most famous groups of the past 20 years, Coldplay has returned with the Kaleidoscope EP. This British based pop group headed by Chris Martin has produced seven studio albums and over ten EPs. The Kaleidoscope EP is their latest release since their album A Head Full of Dreams (2015), and is even named after the track on that record of the same title.
Prior to listening, I presumed this EP would contain very similar sonics to A Head Full of Dreams. Specifically because the title of the EP is the same as a song from that album, as well as the visuals from this EP would fit seamlessly with that album. And this EP does just that.
The lead track "All I Can Think About Is You" is this awesome developing song that is continuously building upon itself until the final minute. The very firm bass line along with the tight acoustic drumming sit comfortably next to that classic Coldplay piano sound and guitar work. Chris Martin's vocals fit with the instrumentation very nicely. The track expands and broadens so much in the last minute and a half, turning into an arena-rock anthem.
"Miracles (Someone Special)" includes this thumping kick-snap drum pattern that goes along cohesively with the acoustic and electric guitar sections. I love the groovy guitar melody that shows up right at the beginning of the pre-chorus, very catchy. Personally, I found the Big Sean feature unnecessary because it didn't really add anything extra to the song, and thankfully didn't take too much away from the track neither.
I thought "A L I E N S" was a decent track. I didn't enjoy it as much as the previous two songs, but it's alright. The auxiliary percussion sounds along with the shuffling hi-hats became pretty stale early on, and even more so later on since it was looped throughout the track. The very ethereal and light synth work throughout was a nice touch, as it did provide a somewhat extraterrestrial feel.
"Hypnotised" is another one that builds and builds upon itself until the final moments. These very 80's-esque bell piano keys carry the song all the way to the end. The six minute track ends in typical Coldplay fashion with high energy and an anthemic chorus.
If you're a Coldplay fan you're definitely gonna want to listen to this EP, and even more so if you were a fan of their most recent album. The songs on this EP were confident, poppy, fun and held true to that classic Coldplay production. These five tracks should have no problem satisfying its listener until the bands next full-length release. Listen below...
Genre: Pop/Alternative/Alt-Pop/Dream-Pop
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