

Before their debut album was released in 2013, HAIM were obsessed over by the likes of pop star Katy Perry and even Azealia Banks. They had interviews and coverage in major international newspapers. Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner turned up to their shows. And who wasn’t intrigued? They were a compelling Californian pitch: three sisters born and bred in LA who grew up listening to classic rock. Two of them were part of a teenage girl band charmingly called Valli Girls but their independence led them to start their own group to be in control of their sound. While they built up HAIM, each pursued other avenues: Este Haim studied ethnomusicology at UCLA, Danielle Haim toured with country-folk star Jenny Lewis, and Alana Haim was at high school. The album cover for Days Are Gone, featuring the three sisters like identical triplets in sunglasses, was the clincher, acting as proof of their casual coolness. Across 11 softly glowing tracks, HAIM lays down an inviting blend of ’70s pop rock and R&B. Love is on their minds and Fleetwood Mac is in their hearts. On the pop bop “If I Could Change Your Mind,” synths meet a contemporary retro vibe as they beg for a lover back. Elsewhere on their second single, the punchy pop-rock track “Don’t Save Me,” they lament a failing relationship. “Never thought that I would grow so old of seeing the gold,” it opens alluringly. On Days Are Gone HAIM successfully created a nostalgic, sunny world that feels too comfortable to leave.