.png)
The album comprises 15 tracks that explore the ups and downs of situationships, breakups, resignations, and personal declarations of independence. We enter this summer with a new era of HAIM on the summer solstice, which is honestly, chef’s kiss. The band has been promoting the album over the past few months by recreating iconic pop-culture photos with the help of family friend and longtime collaborator, filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson (Punch-Drunk Love, Phantom Thread).
Working with another of their longtime friends, ‘I quit’ was produced with help from Rostam Batmanglij (known mononymously as Rostam), who is also credited as a writer. Rostam is one of the founding members of Vampire Weekend, and the indie rock quirkiness is present in this new album
Starting the album with a power anthem, ‘Gone’ is a mantra for the HAIM girls. Steady drums, electric guitar solos, a chanting manifestation and inspired by Beyonce's album and her usage of samples, HAIM incorporates that feel-good gospel sound. There’s a warm and casual feeling about this one, setting the tone for the album’s laid-back energy.
Right after, however, ‘All Over Me’ takes us in an electronic direction. A song about being single and acting like it, Danielle sings, “You know I've always had a wild heart / And that won't ever change / So when you see me out with someone else / I will not be ashamed”.
‘Relationships’, which was first released as a single, is accompanied by a music video too, featuring Outer Banks actor Drew Starkey. The song encapsulates the emotional confusion that can arise from falling in love, yet being frustrated with the emotional entanglements. Deeply in love but disillusioned by the emotional toll, lines like “I think I’m in love, but I can’t stand fucking relationships” express the tension between longing for connection and reality.
The second single of the album, ‘Down to Be Wrong’ is a slow burner that boils into a scream-a-long, partnered with a music video featuring the internet’s "white boy of the century" actor Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Perks of Being a Wallflower). The track has the classic Este Haim bass sound. The girls are trying to self-preserve in the aftermath of a heartbreak, “I bet you wish it could be easy / To change my mind”.
The second half of the album is a mixture of shorter songs. ‘Love You Right’ is peppy and upbeat, and the disco-bop ‘Spinning’ sees Alana (the youngest of the trio) take the lead on the vocals. Then, there’s the 80s indie rap (similar to Wet Leg) ‘Take Me Back’, laced with nostalgia: “More time’s passing / Take me back / Just thinkin’ about it / Makes me emotional”.
The hi-hat grunge of ‘Lucky Stars’ is directly contrasting with the bluesy ‘Blood on the Street’, as well as the synth-country power ballad of ‘Cry’, where Este shares her vulnerability. There’s even a feature from U2 on ‘Now It’s Time’, bringing strength to the track with power chords.
‘I quit’ is HAIM’s declaration of quitting that which isn’t working for them, and making room for the future and new beginnings. It’s a step forward in the band’s evolution, even if they are leaving that distinctive sound of their usual producer, Ariel Rechtshaid. It’s clear that the HAIM sisters are ready to have fun, starting now, and take things in their own way.
HAIM will be performing at Margate Dreamland for a special one-off show before heading out on their tour this autumn, starting in the USA with the UK following soon after. Tickets for their tour can be found here!
Molly Spencer
Image: Paul Thomas Anderson
