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Sister act Haim keep the spirit of Brian Wilson alive with an album of sunny California pop, writes Adrian Thrills

BBG News

HAIM: I Quit (Polydor)

Verdict: Sun-kissed harmonies

YUNGBLUD: Idols (Island)

Verdict: Electrifying and theatrical

Last week’s passing of Brian Wilson served as a poignant reminder of the lasting greatness of traditional Californian pop. From Brian Wilson’s Beach Boys to The Byrds and the Eagles, the harmonious tunes from California continue to make an ideal backdrop for summer days.

The most recent representatives of vibrant Californian pop are the three Haim sisters, whose songwriting beautifully blends classic and contemporary elements. In their fourth album, I Quit, Haim delves into break-up themes, but even as Danielle, Este, and Alana express sorrow, it’s challenging for them to keep the brightness of optimism from shining through.

In the song ‘Relationships’, as I croon, I express my internal turmoil, questioning aloud: “Why do I find myself in this romantic entanglement?” This tune combines intimate vocal harmonies with a lively rhythm provided by catchy drums.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it this way: “Hey there! Danielle, the charismatic frontwoman of Haim, parted ways with Ariel Rechtshaid, their former producer, in 2022. In her own words from Down To Be Wrong, she shares a profound sentiment: ‘I shattered my heart, striving to mold my spirit within your embrace.'”

However, this album, filled with harmonious voices, sparkling guitars, and rhythmic beats, equally embraces the joyous spirit of solitude and the liberating feelings it brings, while also expressing sorrow over past relationships.

The bold and assertive song “All Over Me” showcases the character Danielle as a woman asserting her power. In the lyrics, she sings, ‘Take off your clothes, open up your door, because when I arrive, you’ll be receiving it,’ indicating that she is taking charge of the situation.

The threesome, each around thirty years old, yearn for escape from the intricacies of grown-up existence by reminiscing about less complex, albeit still tinged with nostalgia, periods. “Take Me Back” is a soothing rendition that recounts agonizing teenage outings brought on by a car ride past their former residence in the San Fernando Valley.

Million Years” carries a similar sense of nostalgia. In the lyrics, Danielle croons, ‘Sometimes I reminisce about our carefree days when we’d roam around town with little more than idle time on our hands.’

Family bonds provide an additional wellspring of support. In the song Cry, bassist and eldest sibling Este assumes lead vocals, while Danielle finds comfort from one of her kin in The Farm, a track that echoes the Laurel Canyon singer-songwriter movement of the 1970s. ‘My sister said it’s okay,’ she sings. ‘You can stay with me if you require a refuge to find peace, until you regain your footing.’

Although Haim is of American descent, the album I Quit starts and ends with musical references from Europe. The initial track, Gone, incorporates the exhilarating chorus of George Michael’s Freedom! ’90, while the final song, Now It’s Time, includes a tribute to U2’s captivating Numb. This blend should be effective during live performances, as U2 has not performed the original since 1993.

Danielle mentioned that we were going through a long period of feeling nostalgic as we worked on this album. This was partly due to the fact that we were all single simultaneously for the first time since our school days.

Moving forward, as a popular musician from the West Coast steps off the stage, these three young women from California are ready to carry on the legacy.

 

Approximately seven years ago, I discovered an up-and-coming artist named Yungblud performing at the intimate London venue Thousand Island.

Still in his youthful years, he was expressing themes of urban change and teenage disillusionment through his music, carrying an edgy charm about him. However, his musical style, which blended rock and hip-hop with infectious energy, made it evident that he was a promising talent to keep an eye on.

Skip ahead to the present day, and this 27-year-old artist is now highly recognized among Britain’s up-and-coming musicians. His recent two albums have taken the top spots on the charts, and his music has been played a staggering six billion times across streaming platforms.

In 2022, he was the subject of a Louis Theroux TV special.

Tomorrow, he curates his own music festival, Bludfest, in Milton Keynes.

The anticipation for his fourth album, titled Idols, is particularly high, given its production with a long-term collaborator, Matt Schwartz, in Leeds, close to Yungblud’s hometown of Doncaster. This project certainly doesn’t shy away from ambition. It represents the first half of a planned double album and is often referred to as a heartfelt ode to rock music. With its grandiose and dramatic flair, it’s sure to make an impact.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share that the artist, who goes by Dominic Harrison, expresses that his latest record delves into the perils of idolizing heroes. In essence, he conveys that we often seek validation from others before discovering our own identities. He poignantly communicates this idea through The Greatest Parade, where he sings, ‘All I do is believe in you, I need your applause.’

His lyrics elsewhere are garbled, but he delivers them with real commitment.

Despite Yungblud’s captivating charm, as he articulately advocates for constructive male role models, his music surprisingly follows traditional patterns. The song “Hello Heaven, Hello,” spanning nine minutes, incorporates power chords reminiscent of Pete Townshend and a chorus that echoes the greatness of peak Bon Jovi.

In a more relaxed and understandable manner: The song “Zombie” was written after the passing of his grandmother and evokes the emotional intensity of Snow Patrol’s hit “Run.

His music also includes references to Blur’s Parklife era (Lovesick Lullaby), David Bowie’s Hunky Dory phase (Change), and the unique effects pedals used by U2’s The Edge (Ghosts). A touch more creativity wouldn’t hurt. However, as his past in small clubs demonstrates, he’s an electrifying performer.

Today, you can find both albums available for listening. On June 27, Haim will perform at Dreamland Margate. Their UK tour kicks off at Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham, on October 24 (tickets on ticketmaster.co.uk). Meanwhile, Yungblud takes the stage at The National Bowl, Milton Keynes, tomorrow [June 21] (tickets available on axs.com).

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2025-06-19 21:34

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