Four albums into their career,
Danielle,
Este, and
Alana Haim have mastered a light touch with heavy feelings. Created in the wake of
Danielle Haim's split from longtime partner and
HAIM co-producer
Ariel Rechtshaid (and during a time when all three sisters were single),
I Quit's sketches of rediscovering one's self after untangling from someone else aren't dramatic -- and that's intentional. It's certainly fresher to approach heartbreak like it's not the end of the world; "Gone," which begins the album with a nonchalant swagger channeled from
George Michael's "Freedom '90" and the
Rolling Stones via
Screamadelica-era
Primal Scream, is an unapologetic, unbothered highlight. It also shows that
HAIM can still find interesting ways to use their polish. Since their sound is so smooth, they can blend any other styles they want into it easily, and
I Quit's sonic wandering echoes post-breakup mood swings. Working with co-producer
Rostam, the band is as earthy and grounded as
the Band on "The Farm" and as fizzily romantic as
My Bloody Valentine on "Lucky Stars." Despite its smoothness,
I Quit doesn't gloss over hard feelings entirely. Hidden under its sheen are moments of despair ("Down to Be Wrong"'s "I crushed up these pills/I still couldn't take 'em") and spite ("Blood on the Street"'s "The smell on your breath/What a stench"). The album is at its best when
HAIM confronts these difficult emotions. Lead single "Relationships" is still a perfect showcase for the band's skills, juggling frustration, humor, and sorrow over summery beats and insistent hooks. "All Over Me" is another highlight, with a laid-back groove that belies the power dynamics behind casual hookups. It's especially rewarding when the band explores their relationship with their own feelings, as on "Everyone's Trying to Figure Me Out"'s tug-of-war between independence and humility. The nostalgia that's been an essential part of
HAIM's music gains more complexity on "Take Me Back," which teeters between looking back fondly and wanting a fresh start -- if that's even possible. ~ Heather Phares
