Haven - Between The Senses
2002 / 67:10 Minutes / 14 Tracks / Studio/ CD
Release Date: August 27,2002 - Virgin/Radiate
Produced by: Johnny Marr
Website: www.haven-usa.com

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on October 8, 2002

This debut effort by Haven and produced by Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr is an exceptional display of rock savvy. As powerful in scope and as beautiful in sound, this collection of tunes are the showcase of fine musicians that have delivered an ace first time out.

The vocals of Gary Briggs are as expansive as the band can accommodate. With the expert songwriting prowess of the band, who can write and perform these superb tunes in beautiful fashion, Haven have emerged as a force to be contended with in the releases to come. Playing against the likes of Travis and others of their style, Haven is a clear front runner.

Haven plays with the expertise of a band that has created 3 albums before this one. Many of the songs have single potential. The members of the band compliment each other well. One of the hallmarks of 2002 was its moving away from sticky Pop and HipHop to a decidedly more Rock style providing an upheaval that will last for some years to come. Haven has stepped boldly into that with songs that help define this new era with its twangy and melodic guitars and beautiful vocals.

It's very difficult to choose a standout song on this CD as every song does the job well. But, if we have to, "Let It Live" with its angry bees sound and out of the gate explosive energy provide the excellent radio friendly primer to the CD. The captivating opening guitar lines of "Where is the Love", again with melodically sung vocal lines, sets the tone for the softer, pop infused, songs that populate this album.

"Say Something" is the single release from this set and is an obvious choice as a first cut. The lovely "Outside" with its psychedelic guitars and perfect singing is great to listen to with a hint of Cult-like sound with a softer edge. Not a bad thing.

Haven's "Between the Senses" is a complete album. Complete for its sound, complete for its full set of great songs, and complete for its emergence into a new world of music; so much so that they become part of the bedrock of this new era.

DISC

Beautifully produced by Marr with an ear to lush guitar but clear equal time to every instrument regardless.

PACKAGING

An 8 page booklet accompanies the package that provides a colourful splashed look with only a page dedicated to credits and notations. The error here are no lyrics. Bummer for a very good beginning effort by a talented band.

THE FINAL SAY

Haven is an excellent band providing a full range of songs that work in every aspect of the album. Whether it's soft and melodic or hard-driving, "Between the Senses" delivers a near perfect experience that your collection would be empty without. This band does the job far better than Starsailor. Hunt this one down.

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