HAIM’s long-awaited return with new single ‘Relationships’
We’ve been given a little taste of the upcoming fourth album.
Photo: Lea Garn
Grab those walking shoes people: HAIM have released yet another strut-able song! Or maybe after checking out the flirty and clever music video, starring Outerbanks and Queer star Drew Starkey, strut backwards. In the music video, directed by Camille Summers-Valli, time is warped and far from linear as Danielle Haim’s relationship starts to go backwards as well as forwards. Fleeting from the moments of first meeting her partner, to dancing in a club, then lying in bed questioning “how did we get ourselves into this?” or “why do I have a guilty conscience? / I’ve always been averse to conflict / But you really fucked with my confidence”, to packing and unpacking the car with sisters Este and Alana Haim. Relationships is the answer to HAIM lovers’ prayers; it has their classic infectious sound you’d want from a HAIM song with all the poignant and relatable lyrics that come with it.
After three long years since the sister trio released music — not forgetting to mention their contribution to Barbie the Album with Home in 2023 — they are back with Relationships, produced by Danielle Haim and Rostam Batmanglij (Vampire Weekend). According to Alana, this single took them seven years to crack, fitting with the Something To Tell You timeline, and working again alongside producer Batmanglij from the Women In Music Pt III era. Although this single contains a new sound for HAIM, it is reminiscent of their past eras, making it a joy for day one fans.
Whilst the Spring sunshine didn’t last for longer than four days in the UK, maybe the return of HAIM season will encourage the weather to mirror sunny Los Angeles. For this genre-bending single, floating between their classic pop sound and a 90’s R&B beat with the continual piano, drum pattern and heavy bass line leaves you to imagine you’re the fourth sister of HAIM: strolling down the pavement, carefree in your very own music video. This captivating new return — with its silky R&B and fun, appealing tune — makes this an exciting lead single. Each sister shines from Danielle’s vocals, vulnerability and production to Este’s strong and recognisable bassline, as well as Alana’s upbeat piano, holding down the rhythm and groove as the lyrics follow.
HAIM continues to remind us that it is better to be single and focus on your growth, rather than questioning what the hell you are doing in a shit relationship that messes with your confidence. This angsty single highlights various attachment styles, such as Danielle’s slightly avoidant nature in the ending chorus with her disdain to communicate and willingness to fall back into the same situation: “So don’t let it bring you down / ‘Cause it all comes back around / I think I’m in love, but I can’t stand fuckin’ relationships”. Paired alongside the album artwork reminiscent of the iconic 2001 paparazzi photo of Nicole Kidman celebrating her divorce from Tom Cruise, this sonically funky and sexy single provides an exciting glimpse into the next sound for the upcoming fourth album.
Relationships is out now via Polydor Records.
