Deaf Havana
Rituals
Release Date: Aug 3, 2018
Genre(s): Pop/Rock
Record label: So Recordings
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Album Review: Rituals by Deaf Havana
Fairly Good, Based on 2 Critics
Based on rating 3/5
The shape-shifting rockers perhaps stray too far from their core identity in a bid to emulate the success of heroes-of-the-hour The 1975 Of all the chameleonic rock bands in British music, Deaf Havana are surely the most shape-shifting. While their peers make strides towards evermore palatable, radio-friendly sounds, the James Veck-Gilodi-fronted group have taken much more dramatic leaps of faith. From the screamy post-hardcore of their debut 'Meet Me Halfway, At Least', they've gone through soaring alt-rock ('Fools & Worthless Liars'), Springsteen-worship ('Old Souls'), and radio-rock anthemia (mainstream breakthrough 'All These Countless Nights').
Based on rating 3/5
Despite coming quickly off the back of last year's 'All These Countless Nights', 'Rituals' shares little similarity with its predecessor. Instead, it forgoes the Springsteen stylings of Deaf Havana's last two releases, relishing in pop pomp. For established fans, the change might be somewhat jarring. Though still harbouring a certain degree of anthemics, the kind 'Rituals' peddles is more Top 40 than Tom Petty.
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