Customer Reviews

Between The Senses

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've read a few reviews of this CD that dismiss it as boring or unoriginal. While it certainly doesn't break new ground stylistically, in my opinion it is a very strong album. I'd definitly say that it was the best release of the year so far, except for the fact that Electric Soft Parade's "Holes In The Wall", which came out on the same day, is also so wonderful. The thing that jumps out almost immediatly in the first couple of listens is that there are four completely classic and incredible songs here, namely "Beautiful Thing", "Say Something", "Out Of Reach", and "Let It Live". However, after a few more listens, several of the other tracks, which at first seemed to pass by rather non-intrusively, have really grown on me as well. I really like the singing on "Lately". This is a very good album, highly recommended for fans for British guitar bands.

This record is definitely an overlooked gem. Being that it was produced by Johnny Marr, you would think it would have received more press and fanfare. The sound is moody guitar-oriented britpop with good solid vocals. Fans of Coldplay, Oasis and 80's britpop should give this a shot, you'll be glad you did.

The snarky Brit critics say these guys are nothing but a bunch of shallow Radiohead imitators. Not quite. Yes, there is the chorus of anthemic guitars neatly covering over pinched-voice vocals (but not wimpy a la Coldplay). But the structure, texture and bridging of the songs is top-notch. Actually, if you can picture Radiohead with some Gin Blossoms mixed in, you get a good idea of what their sound is. Okay, so Still Tonight could have been stolen from a Cheap Trick ballad, but you still find yourself singing along to it. And songs like Til The End, Beautiful Thing and Where Is The Love are all strong rock 'n' roll songs. Say Something is Top 10 in Britain. These days, you feel lucky if you get an album with three songs you like on it. This one, for me, has eight. So it's 20 bucks. Well worth it. Just wait until US Alternative Radio discovers these guys.

Little has been said about this group except that Spin magazine calls them an exceptional new addition to overblown chaos of pop-rock bands of late. One only needs to mention the tired and repetative offering of "Creed", "Blink 182" and a host of others who have long since worn out there welcome. What "Haven" offers is something different altogether. An artful and formulative blend of rock, pop, gently woven lyrics against a harder edge guitar driven sound. The vocalist receives honorable mention here with his soft-yet forceful asthetic, while the band itself delivers support inside the nucleus where the meat of the real music doesn't let up and never dissappoints. Take a listen for yourself!

Haven are more accessible than Radiohead, more upbeat and driving than Travis, and more melodic than Coldplay. I think this is a stellar release - every song is a gem.

This British foursome has the imprimatur of none other than ex-Smiths' guitarist Johnny Marr, who produced their impressive debut Between the Senses. Vocalist Gary Briggs sounds like Mark Hollis (ex-Talk Talk) channeling Jeff Buckley. The band - guitarist Nat Wason, bassist Iwan Gronow, drummer Jack Mitchell - anchors Briggs' emotional croon with a dreamier version of contemporary English rock (Starsailor, Coldplay, Travis). Songs do stand out. "Say Something" and "Til the End" are radio-ready alt-anthems, "Still Tonight" yearns like prime Raspberries, "I Need Someone" sports a classic-rock riff that wouldn't be out of place on a summer single. Mostly, though, Haven offer an atmosphere of doe-eyed longing. Every one of these twelve songs is about love - finding it, holding on to it, letting it go. If I was a 16-year-old alt-thinking music fan I'd be obsessing. As it stands, at 40, I'm merely smitten.

The first time I had ever had of Haven was hearing the wonderful "Let it Live" on satellite radio. I decided to check them out further. I must say that I wasn't dissapointed. And though this album will never reach "classic" status by any means, this album is definitely worth listening to. The musicianship is great, the songs contain good melodies and catchy hooks, and the vocals are decent as well. If you're a fan of other Brit-Pop bands, you should enjoy this album. However I feel that Haven do bring something a bit different to the table. I'm really sure that I can give an accurate comparision to another band as far as sound goes. Maybe a bit more heavy Coldplay with a sprinkle of early Radiohead, with Jeff Buckley vocals.

This good and overlooked band has much of the reminents of other UK bands that it follows, with such similar ounds of early U2, radiohead and Buckley. It's good album. If anything a bit slow and awkward in the begininning, to the point that it is hard to connect or really get into the music. But don't throw it out of your player yet. "say Something" is ultimately beautiful, along with songs like "Sleep" and "Outside" that just simply sound cool. A lot of intricate guitar work make this record seem easier and more hip to listen to.
The basic truth is that, if you are into other UK bands like Starsailor and Coldplay that have gotten some or great recognition, then there is a good chance that you will find a home with this one.There might not be anything revolutionary here, but that does not demolish the fact that this is a solid debut, from a band that has promise.

i heard their song say something on the radio and loved the vibe it gave out. the album is fantastic with lots of beautiful lyrics . my faves are say something, keep on gicing in- cool title and holding on. this makes the perfect backgroubd cd as you are reading or working as you don't have to concentrate and it sounds so beautiful. v easy and pleasurable to listen to though if you do concentrate cool lyrics. for anyone who likes meaningful liryics and beautiful melodies, abit like coldplay bu less hip

I saw this band on a pre-tour show in Mancehster. They were well drilled and had some excellent musical talent. The album I feel is very well rounded, good solid lyrics, great songs such as "Say something" and for a first attempt, I think they pass in flying colors. I would highly recommend this for people who like bands such as Travis, Coldplay and Incubus. Great Album.