The more I listen to Deaf Havana, the more I seem to relate to their lyrics. I’ve always said that James is one of the best out there, particularly in terms of honesty, and this song is a perfect example of that. Kinda makes my heart do this weird soaring/sinking thing when I realise just how much I see myself in this track.
I’m gonna be on the floor when I see this played at Leeds Festival.
Deaf Havana have been one of my favourite bands for some time now, but ‘Fools And Worthless Liars’ really is one of the best albums I’ve bought in my life. (If you haven’t heard it yet…why the heck not?! Go pick up a copy!) I’m not one for favouritism in bands - each person contributes a mass of importance to the overall product - but I’ve always been attracted to lyrics and James is a lyricist comparable to none. I appreciate the honesty in his writing; how songs are more of a ‘stream of consciousness’ as opposed to being over-planned and forced onto paper/into melody. And as a frontman, I like how unassuming his role is. All my favourite frontmen seem to have found their way there by way of an accident, and while I’ve read in interviews that James was reluctant to ever TAKE this role on, he’s doing a fucking good job with it.
I was bummed out only to catch about half of Deaf Havana’s set at Hit The Deck this weekend just passed, but my friend Rosie told me about this song being performed and how things kind of came together in a nice way while the band were onstage. The lyrics mention ‘Mike’ and ‘John’ (Lower Than Atlantis and Young Guns) who, despite touring for a similar amount of time/playing many of the same shows as Deaf Havana, found more success than DH earlier on. All that being said, at Hit The Deck DH were playing higher on the bill than LTA, and much like YG they are set to open the mainstage at Reading and Leeds this year. It’s a funny thing, really, but ultimately very cool. I’m ridiculously happy for Deaf Havana, and proud to call myself a fan of all the bands mentioned above. British music right now is the strongest that it’s ever been, and those mentioned are leading the pack.
Music fans
If there is any album that you buy before the year is out, make sure that it’s ‘Fools And Worthless Liars.’ Whether you’re familiar with Deaf Havana or not, this record is essential. I’m sat listening to it now, not for the first time today (nor will it be the last) and I’m still in awe at how good it is. Check it out!
Having a bit of a Deaf Havana night. This is the video to their new song, ‘I’m A Bore, Mostly’, and much like the track itself I think it’s awesome. Deaf Havana in general are just a massively talented bunch of blokes (in particular their singer - one of the best voices I’ve heard in years, and a remarkably good, unique lyricist.) If you haven’t listened to them before, then now is the time.
