Album Review: Belle Haven Return Transfigured with New EP something new

Change is both uncomfortable and necessary, which is why it’s such a touchy but relatable subject in contemporary music. There comes a point in every band’s career where they must decide whether to continue doing what they know and their fans enjoy, or instead follow their instincts and pursue their own style.

Naarm/Melbourne-based alt-rock act Belle Haven have embraced this natural progression on their aptly-named new EP something new, out today. Produced by Jack Newlyn (Between You & Me) and mixed by James Paul Wisner (Paramore), the four-track project is an energetic offering of vibrant riffs and upbeat grooves with powerful vocals that move away from their metalcore roots into a more modern alternative direction.

Speaking of Paramore, we interviewed frontman David De La Hoz last year and he unashamedly professed his love for their latest record, This is Why. The album signalled a big sonic shift from the band’s previous styles that saw wide success with fans old and new and clearly influenced his own approach to something new. This is Belle Haven in their purest form and at their most confident.

something new isn’t about one specific theme or story — it’s a mix of the emotions we’ve been going through as a band,” explains De La Hoz. “We explore love, sex, heartbreak, bad habits (and breaking them), choosing yourself, and even death. It covers a lot because that’s just how life happens sometimes.”

Opening track and lead single “fauxlove” is a highlight of the EP and has one of the catchiest hooks I’ve heard all year. The line ‘Love me with the lights down low’ is an absolute earworm, which really makes you consider the meaning of it as an insecure lover. A melancholic, picked riff contrasts the bright, fast strums as the warm vocals caress you in the verse and shake your shoulders in the chorus.

“lose, regret, repeat…” is a sombre song of self-deprecation, once again paired with fervent guitars and infectious harmonies. You can be forgiven for singing along to the sad refrain of ‘I messed it up just like I always do’. There’s an almost ethereal tone to the melodies of the verses with a mix that seems to ebb and flow with the dynamic arrangements. Definitely a solid segue from “fauxlove” to the acerbic “thx”.

Glitchy effects make way for big riffs and busy drums in the high-energy “thx”, a return to the band’s familiar heavy sound. The call-and-response delivery of the second verse makes this a live staple in the making, while also allowing De La Hoz the chance to flex his vocal dexterity in the aggressive bridge (breakdown?). ‘You can throw any change you want to throw’ might be the best lyric on the whole EP – I love a good pun.

Heavy closer “a hypothetical exit” considers one’s own mortality and contemplates the reactions of others to a sudden departure. Thundering drum fills and wailing guitars carry the track as De La Hoz delivers his most convincing performance, screaming ‘Just put me in a box and make it permanent’. With the heart of “fauxlove”, resignation of “love, regret, repeat…”, and anger of “thx”, it’s a culmination of all that the EP has to offer.

Belle Haven recently showcased at the prestigious BIGSOUND this year and have shared the stage with the likes of Comeback Kid, Silverstein and I Prevail. Having been around for over a decade, their latest effort is a testament to the band’s work ethic and commitment to their craft. Perhaps best known for their 2017 album You, Me and Everything in Between., the refreshing and refined something new is about to change that.

FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)

something new is out now. Follow Belle Haven on Facebook and Instagram for more!