The States are off-limits but it’s not a problem. Women in Music Pt. III — the title a tongue-in-cheek jibe at the tired label often placed on Haim — brings a hefty dose of California cool to London.
The sisters’ third studio album sees Danielle, Este and Alana Haim once again make catchy choruses and impressive melodies seem easy, but beneath the breezy exterior are layers of experimental sounds.
I Know Alone starts out as an indie track about loneliness, before a dancier edge, warped vocals and beats borrowed from UK garage emerge. Glorious Leaning on You takes similarly unexpected turns, its pared-down country vibe becoming a powerful instrumental.
Man from the Magazine takes aim at an infuriating interview when Este was asked if she makes her infamous “bass faces” in bed, before the three singles released last year serve as bonus tracks, with Summer Girl doing a stellar job of bringing the collection to a jazzy, Lou Reed-inspired close.
