Music > Album Reviews

Deaf Havana // Old Souls

27/08/13

Four years ago in the distant days of 2009, Deaf Havana released their first full length album, Meet Me Halfway, At Least, an amalgamation of punky, raw hardcore goodness. Their second album, Fools and Worthless liars, saw a turn towards a more melodic and melancholy feel, and it seems again, Deaf Havana have evolved their sound with their newest album Old Souls. This time though, it seems instead of sticking to their raw roots, they have tried to perhaps aim their music more towards mainstream success. The album starts off with Boston Square, a hook filled, Bruce Springsteen inspired rock song, only seeming to step slightly away from the direction of the last album. Tracks 22 and Night Drives, although retaining the strong vocals and melancholy feel we know and love, seem to be a lot more polished and perhaps more suited to fans of bands like The Gaslight Anthem than the brit-rockers Deaf Havana formally identified themselves with. The album as a whole feels like a progression, but perhaps in a different direction to where it seemed they were going before. In some ways, the album is quite experimental and see the band stepping out with the use of string arrangements, banjos and a gospel singer who features on Subterranean Bullshit Blues, a track which feels a lot more like the relatable small town depression of former songs like The Past Six Years. Overall, the album is very enjoyable and an easy listen, I just feel it’s a shame the band have seemed to lose some of their rough, raw sound and replaced it with a selection of polished, radio-ready tracks.

6/10