There was a time we worried Deaf Havana might have plateaued, releasing radio friendly pop rock that was lacking the spark required to keep them interesting. Latest album ‘All These Countless Nights’ however, has made some steps towards proving they aren’t stalemates and might find a way – especially if you’re bored of You Me At Six’s new release already – to grab your attention.
The opening rhythm of ‘Trigger’ is impossible to ignore, giving way to a soaring chorus that grows with each repetition and the impossible not to singalong to refrain, “I held the gun but you pulled the trigger, we watched it all go.”
Moments of ‘Happiness’ sound like an English Fatherson; soulful, flawless vocals carry an emotive ballad. Firmly cementing themselves far, far away from the scene kid band they once were, it’s a mature, wholesome sound. ‘Fever’ fills the space around you, with a chorus (and no, we’re not just saying this for effect) built for the biggest of stages.
‘England’ begins with a groove and ‘L.O.V.E’ ends with a guitar solo and keys. Each song, while different, showcases the varying talents of the band, always led by James Veck-Gilodi and his crisp, clean vocals. Although it’s great, it’s not for everyone. For the times you’d rather listen to something rowdy, you’ll want to look elsewhere – but for ‘grown up’ alternative music (the kind of thing you want to listen to when you’re still cool enough not to put on Coldplay) it couldn’t get much better.
‘St. Paul’s’ is a dreamy yet realistic tale of the complications of love, full of vivid similes and descriptions alongside simplistic but impactful guitars. Livening up proceedings, ‘Sing’ soars with admissions of profound realisations to the tune of heart-twisting melodies.
There’s something about this album that just gets you right where it matters the most. The lyricism and musicality make for a polished release and it oozes professionalism. Deaf Havana are ready to leave their past behind: while 2011’s ‘Fools and Worthless Liars’ began the journey and ‘Old Souls’ saw them get lost along the way, their fourth full album has finally done it.
KATHRYN BLACK