Epochs pass, musical trends come and go, but rock always seems to return to its two most primal building blocks: a compelling voice and driving guitar. Cut through the critical rhetoric comparing Haven singer Gary Briggs's... more » emotive style to the late Jeff Buckley, and it's hard to miss the mesmerizing, trans-generational guitar work of Nat Watson. Consider that their official bio has Watson and Briggs meeting in a hometown Cornwall, England, record store as they quibbled over a copy of Quicksilver Messenger Service's Happy Trails, and it's assumed their roots go a little deeper than the vaunted sounds of Manchester, where Haven shrewdly relocated in '99. Midwifed by former Smith's manager Joe Moss and that band's legendary guitarist Johnny Marr (who produced this sparkling debut), the band quickly racked up a string of promising U.K. singles, some of which (like "Beautiful Thing" and "Let It Live" included here) recall the original drama and power of U2's Boy and October wed to a sonic ethos that imagines Radiohead as a little less coy about their pop fetishes. --Jerry McCulley« less
Epochs pass, musical trends come and go, but rock always seems to return to its two most primal building blocks: a compelling voice and driving guitar. Cut through the critical rhetoric comparing Haven singer Gary Briggs's emotive style to the late Jeff Buckley, and it's hard to miss the mesmerizing, trans-generational guitar work of Nat Watson. Consider that their official bio has Watson and Briggs meeting in a hometown Cornwall, England, record store as they quibbled over a copy of Quicksilver Messenger Service's Happy Trails, and it's assumed their roots go a little deeper than the vaunted sounds of Manchester, where Haven shrewdly relocated in '99. Midwifed by former Smith's manager Joe Moss and that band's legendary guitarist Johnny Marr (who produced this sparkling debut), the band quickly racked up a string of promising U.K. singles, some of which (like "Beautiful Thing" and "Let It Live" included here) recall the original drama and power of U2's Boy and October wed to a sonic ethos that imagines Radiohead as a little less coy about their pop fetishes. --Jerry McCulley
J. Persh | West Bloomfield, MI United States | 01/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Take notice of the amazing gem!!
Star Sailor | Whidbey Island, WA | 12/31/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"
Wonderful blend of styles - I await a US tour
Star Sailor | 06/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
A quite enjoyable album
The Piper at the Gates | Bakersville, North Carolina | 12/10/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Good and overlooked
alejandro f. ramirez | columbus | 01/08/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"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."