With their latest single ‘The Steps’, Haim are proving to the rest of the world how they’re basically the modern incarnation of 70s-era rock ‘n’ roll girl groups.

Their bass line is electric, their voices are unforgettable, and their sound is as groovy as it gets for this generation. ‘The Steps’ begins with a wild bass guitar hook that continues throughout the runtime, maintaining a steady dose of some old-fashioned grunge. The band is composed of three sisters, and they all share fair turns both on and off camera to show off their distinct personas. 

What’s unique about this particular track is its outward attempt at incorporating country-rock sounds. Through an extended guitar riff that follows the first verse, we all witness the band try their hand at a set of genres and turning up with fantastic outcomes. Haim are already used to navigating through male-oriented genres such as rock and country, but there is a special quality to their approach that specifically addresses the feminine experience. The music video accompanying this song, in particular, depicts the sisters going through everyday motions but whilst holding sadness in their hearts. The meanings are understated but it’s clear that the subject matter is dealing with some fairly heavy material. 

Nevertheless, the lyrics pull through with their exceptionally powerful focus. It basically has the band singing to someone who’s hurt them, who can’t ‘understand’ them in any way. And thus every time they try to take ‘the steps’, their lover undercuts their efforts. It’s a refreshing and honest attempt at reflecting on ugly relationships that failed for whatever reason. The girls’ silky voices overlapping one another during the chorus also feels like a show of solidarity during a tough time. Sisterhood comes before all challenges, after all. And it’s their very spirit of sisterhood that’s keeping their creative energies flying ahead of each and every single. 

Speaking on their style, the band says:

“What rock bands don’t understand about us, is that we make fun of ourselves; we love to have fun but sometimes that makes people think we don’t take music seriously.”

Author: Shaoni Das

Shaoni Das is a writer/editor currently based in Edmonton, Canada. She remains eager to inspect how the changing culture of music impacts upon the greater world.