Haim at the Fox Theater by Steven Ward
Making a pit-stop at the Fox Theater in Pomona before their appearance at the weekend one installment of Coachella, sisterly trio Haim gave fans a cover to cover run-through of their sophomore album Something To Tell You. A love letter to the melodic, soft-rock of the early 00’s, the album’s songs bring an anthemic nature to their live sets–and no venue ever seems large enough to hold it on in. But one of the joys of seeing Haim live is the three-piece act that they exist as, with sisters Danielle, Este, and Alana all sharing equal duties within the band when performing live. There’s a sublime interplay that exists when you put people onstage who’ve known each other essentially all their lives; and with only a handful of such sibling acts performing at such a level, it does add another layer to the performance.
By now, Haim has nailed down their live performances to near perfection to the point that they’ve started to get bold. Alana, the youngest sister, with the release of Something To Tell You has taken on larger singing roles–and can she croon. Este has been known to show off her chops as well when she’s not ripping it up on the bass, like when she dished out a Prince cover a few times last year. Danielle, of course, loves her time at the edge of the stage, shredding on her guitar all the glowing guitar lines that exist as the lush backbone to their songs. Keeping their newest tradition alive, which started just last year, the band gave the crowd a bass heavy and a groove-induced cover of Shania Twain’s “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” But not before Alana led the crowd in an impromptu, acapella cover of “A Moment Like This” by Kelly Clarkson. Then there was their three-part drum solo and choreographed get-down during “Walking Away,” which was as adorable as it was rad.
Haim at the Fox Theater by Steven Ward
Haim is the epitome of a band that’s come full-circle; comfortable enough in their own skin to bring out a budding sense of authenticity in everything they do. Not to mention they’re just so damn fun to watch, dance, and sing along with. With three sisters onstage the entire affair can feel eerily like a family event–or a school play perhaps, which is exactly how Alana described when she explained her mom was there to drive her home afterward. Este had a story to share too–reminiscing about a Coachella years ago when Kesha gave her a chocolate shroom and she tripped out to Prince. Mom and dad Haim were not long pointed out in the crowd, wearing head-to-toe Haim merchandise of course. So it really was less of a concert and more of a recital for the Haim sisters.
Fazerdaze opened up for Haim, giving the crowd a taste of their cool indie-rock by way of Wellington, New Zealand. Founded on the workings of singer/songwriter Amelia Murray and her laid-back, echo-heavy tunes, there’s something distinctly charming about the singer’s nonchalant vocals and heady-strumming.
Words & Photography: Steven Ward
Haim at the Fox Theater by Steven Ward
Haim at the Fox Theater by Steven Ward
Fazerdaze at the Fox Theater by Steven Ward
