CULTURE Passionate and methodical: La Dispute’s lyrical prowess comes to Flagstaff

BY SCOTT BUFFON Photo courtesy of HAIM n an era of bro country, pop-rap and trance music, this depth in lyrics. The band’s ability transition from sometimes it is easy to forget that songwriting and execute passionate highs and somber lows with the I was often used to emphasize a single aspect — the backing accompaniment is really what sets this band HAIM: The big lyrics. apart. Because after all, what’s the point of listening to La Dispute makes lyric writing their primary focus the lyrics if you can’t enjoy the music? and is the biggest draw to shows like the upcoming one From songs like “King Park” from their Wildlife at the Green Room June 2. , or “Andria” and “Fall Down, Never Get Back sisters you wish Their music is described by many as post-hardcore, Up Again,” off of Somewhere at the Bottom of the screamo, punk and emo. And while these genres can River Between Vega and Altair, their dedication to the begin to paint a picture of La Dispute’s sound, it is not scene and story is absolutely clear. fairly representative. The sound of lead singer’s voice is Their most recent work, Rooms of the House, offers you had either the greatest point of interest or disgust. listeners a bit more mainstream-friendly sound that BY TAYLOR HAYNES Lead singer Jordan Dreyer’s vocals comes off as if is mostly absent from songs lasting over 7-minutes Blink-182’s retired and whiney singer, Tom Delonge, long. Still, the songs continue their complexity as learned to scream, took all of his music and writing the album wraps its content around a concept: a man he hair-flipping, guitar-slinging powerhouse HAIM took over the seriously and got a master’s degree in creative writing. wrestling with the events of his past to make sense of Orpheum May 18, to a packed house. If you decide to give their music a chance, expect his present. The album follows the trajectory of the The band recently began their U.S. tour, preceding a much- nothing and keep an open mind. And for those not T man’s relationship — from its inception to its eventual anticipated second album. Every corner of the venue was occupied, with regular fans of the aforementioned genres — like I was break-up. fans belting out the band’s hits at the top of their lungs. when I first heard the band — keeping an open mind “It’s a record about moving on — or if not Even for someone who did not know the words to the songs, it was may be the hardest part. moving on, learning to re-appropriate these things impossible to not dance to the catchy beat. The dramatic light show on stage Trust me: for those who can weather the stylings, and incorporate your past into your present and then — often synchronized with the snappy percussion, a hallmark of HAIM’s listening to their lyrics and letting the vivid worlds and into your future,” said Dreyer in an interview done by work — added to the excitement while the crowd jumped, cheered and sang stories play to your imagination will be worth your Noisey. “Instead of just completely throwing it away or in unison. time and the $17 ticket. always being at odds with it.” The Haim sisters hail from Los Angeles. Alana, Danielle and Este all Dreyer often employs off-mic whispering, And while this is their most recent album, don’t sport long, flowing tresses (often swung about on stage) and have an obvious passionate screaming and spoken word. The vocals are expect them to only perform their most recent project aptitude for music — all three play multiple instruments and sing. undoubtedly the band’s centerpiece, even though they — their third studio album has been out for over two The sisters were brought up in a musical home, learning instruments have begun to make their sound more digestible in years. and playing songs together from a young age. It is no wonder they have their most recent album. Their shows are intimate. The fans are close. The chemistry on stage. Interestingly, the band creates atmosphere in an intensity is high. Fast forward several years: the Haim sisters have become household almost progressive punk fashion. Through this, you The people who are into this band are undoubtedly names in the alt-rock scene, completing the ensemble with Dash Hutton on can tell where the mood of the song has been and of a different nature. Not because they were born drums. A couple highlights from their resume include opening for Florence where it is going. While the song “Edward Benz, 27 of different star-stuff, but simply because the band and the Machine and Mumford and Sons. Danielle Haim has played guitar Times” opens to a quiet guitar melody, the band’s demands such emotional investment, fans are required with and . harder electric-guitar riffs, deep bass and pounding to be deeply devoted. They have attracted the attention of Pitchfork, and the drums quickly jump in. The song tells the allegedly But the band gives that same level of devotion New York Times, and are likened to musical heavyweights like , true story of Dreyer meeting a man named Ed. As they back to their music. Their current tour is going from Fleetwood Mac and Destiny’s Child. work together Ed tells him a story of his schizophrenic May 30 to June 25, with only three days without a And, this is all accomplished before the age of 30. son. show scheduled. Luckily, Flagstaff is one of the band’s Their first album, Days are Gone (2013), was well received by critics and I will not spoil it for you, but the interplay between first stops — we will likely find them in an energetic listeners alike. The album truly brought HAIM into the spotlight, with well- visual lyrics and Hitchcock-like tension creates a and enthusiastic headspace. known singles like “The Wire” and “Don’t Save Me.” NPR’s memorable song. An empathetic Dreyer narrates the So, if rock bands are your scene and you do decide lasting impression this story has left on him — and to go, you’re going to have a great time. There’s no was a fan. how unfinished and unresolved the story feels. disputing it. “HAIM’s thoughtful, playful music is good for the radio, good for rock, All the songs in La Dispute’s repertoire feature and good for music lovers of all ages who need to carve out a little space to dream,” she said, in a 2013 review. 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