HAVEN - Between The Senses (nr aukcji: 24139732)

"Haven to ulubiency brytyjskiej prasy z okolic 2002 r. Ich mentorem (i producentem debiutanckiego longplaya) byl sam J. Marr. Muzycznie blisko im bylo do mocniejszych utworów Coldplay czy Starsailor, choc psychodeliczne wycieczki podpowiadac moglyby wplywy innych wielkich - jak Verve"

British indie foursome Haven actually formed in Cornwall in the southwest of England before relocating to Manchester in 1999. Having already attracted the attention of former Smiths manager Joe Moss, they subsequently received the patronage of the band's former guitarist, Johnny Marr, as well. Featuring vocalist Gary Briggs, guitarist Nat Wason, bassist Iwan Gronow, and drummer Jack Mitchell, Haven jokingly named themselves after a local holiday camp before realizing that the moniker was an accurate reflection of the solace their music provided them with. The four had been jamming and playing live in their native region before Moss discovered them. After moving north, the band began a residency at the city's famed Night & Day club, as well as supporting Marr's band the Healers and Badly Drawn Boy.

Signing to indie label Radiate, Haven released their debut EP, Til the End, in early 2001 to rave reviews. After more touring, the single "Beautiful Thing" emerged in July to further critical plaudits. Their second single, "Let It Live," was the first fruit of the Johnny Marr-produced recording sessions for their debut album. A debut full-length Between the Senses appeared in early 2002 as well as an American deal with Virgin. Stateside fans finally got a taste of Haven in October 2002 when Between the Senses was released in the U.S.

Melodically sweet like Coldplay and Starsailor, Haven was a critic's darling among the British press in early 2002. The glossy dream pop mix found on their debut album, Between the Senses, was fresh and tangible. Ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr produced Haven's 12 penned tracks, setting the band up for a simple introduction. Subtle electronics and textured acoustic guitars fill the album's depictions of forlorn love, spiritual comfort, and slanted optimism. Frontman Gary Briggs is a heart-rending crooner. His lyrics are traumatic in spots, but always yearning for peace of mind. He's stunning on the eerily beautiful "Out of Reach." "I Need Someone" and "Lately" are warm and inviting with guitarist Nat Wason's easy playing style, but the psychedelic punk romps of "Let It Live" and "Beautiful Thing" are infectiously loud and brazen. Haven looks inside themselves on this album. A group of lads in their early twenties go up against monotonous social conformities, and Marr allowed them to make their visions reality. Between the Senses rests with honesty and a tenderness similar to the likes of the Verve, but without pretense. An underlying sadness bleeds as well.

1. Beautiful Thing
2. Where Is The Love
3. Say Something
4. Out Of Reach
5. Still Tonight
6. I Need Someone
7. Till The End
8. Lately
9. Let It Live
10. Is This Bliss
11. Keep On Giving In
12. Holding On


RADIATE / VIRGIN 2002

STAN BARDZO DOBRY-