Live Review: Haim @ The Forum

by | Dec 11, 2013

HAIM at The Forum in London on 9 December 2013 (Imelda Michalczyk)

HAIM at The Forum in London on 9 December 2013 (Imelda Michalczyk)

HAIM, a three piece band of sisters, is reputedly one of those overnight successes that took years of graft. The Californian ladies seemed to be virtually unheard of only a year or so ago. Yet, as 2013 draws to a close they have sold out two nights at north London’s The Forum and have a longer UK tour planned for spring 2014. Imelda Michalczyk reviews and photographs.

HAIM at The Forum in London on 9 December 2013 (Imelda Michalczyk)

HAIM at The Forum in London on 9 December 2013 (Imelda Michalczyk)

So, what’s all the fuss about? As it turns out, HAIM are a lot of fun, knocking out catchy pop songs whilst in between tracks they swear like troopers and joke with the audience. Each sister performs at least two instruments, as well as singing lead and backing vocals. The stage has sparkly silver drums strewn all over the place for family percussive moments. But visually, it’s the trademark long, centre-parted hair that is constantly thrown around and creates such a dynamic effect for a band that, essentially, needs to devote its time to juggling instruments and singing rather than running around the stage or performing dance routines.

HAIM at The Forum in London on 9 December 2013 (Imelda Michalczyk)

With only one full length album under their belt, it’s not an extensive set, even with Fleetwood Mac’s 1969 classic ‘Oh Well’ thrown in early. But the (female heavy) crowd sing along to every track, with ‘The Wire’, ‘Falling’ and ‘Don’t Save Me’ proving particularly interactive.

HAIM at The Forum in London on 9 December 2013 (Imelda Michalczyk)

HAIM at The Forum in London on 9 December 2013 (Imelda Michalczyk)

Este, the bassist sister, tells a story of how not long ago, they had been to The Forum as part of the audience and thought how “cool” it would be to play here one day. They seem rightfully delighted and slightly surprised at the happy turn of events. If tonight is anything to go by, the band can now safely start setting their sights on some much bigger London venues indeed.

HAIM at The Forum in London on 9 December 2013 (Imelda Michalczyk)

HAIM at The Forum in London on 9 December 2013 (Imelda Michalczyk)

Review by Imelda Michalczyk on 9 December 2013, London.

Jawbone (Rob Blackham / Blackham Images)

Jawbone Reignite Their Signature Sound With ‘Jawbone II’ — A Soulful, Live-Wire Triumph Of Folk, Rock & Psychedelia

It’s been a long time coming, but some things are worth the wait. Acclaimed British roots-rock band Jawbone have released their long-anticipated second album, Jawbone II, out now via 5dB Records (also home to anaiis, Ashaine White, and MOULD). Arriving seven years after their 2018 debut, Jawbone II reintroduces the quartet with the full force of their signature blend: timeless songwriting, masterful musicianship, and a rare kind of chemistry that can only come from years of playing together.

The Zipheads Kickstart A Rock ‘N’ Roll Renaissance In London

There’s two types of people in this world: those who’ve experienced The Zipheads live, and those who are missing out....
Reneé Rapp (Zora Sicher)

Reneé Rapp Enters Her Villain Era with Explosive New Single ‘Leave Me Alone’ and Announces Sophomore Album ‘Bite Me’

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Reneé Rapp has officially kicked off a brand-new chapter with the release of her blistering new single, Leave Me Alone—out today via Interscope Records—alongside the announcement of her highly anticipated sophomore album, Bite Me, arriving on 1st August.

James Hetfield of Metallica @ Twickenham (Jamie MacMillan)

Metallica Extend Groundbreaking M72 World Tour Into 2026 With 16 Epic UK & European Dates

Metallica are once again proving why they remain one of the most enduring and electrifying forces in rock history. The iconic metal pioneers have announced that their record-breaking M72 World Tour will extend into a fourth consecutive year, unveiling a 16-date run across Europe and the UK scheduled for May through July 2026.

Sonya Madan of Echobelly @ Scala (Kalpesh Patel)

Echobelly Announce 30th Anniversary UK Tour Celebrating Seminal Britpop Album ‘ON’

Legendary Britpop band Echobelly have announced a UK tour to mark a major milestone: the 30th anniversary of their...
Sting @ Hammersmith Apollo (Kalpesh Patel)

Latitude Festival 2025 Preview: A Sonic Utopia In The Suffolk Countryside

As the UK’s summer festival season beckons, few weekends promise the scale, spirit and creativity of Latitude Festival 2025, returning to the lush grounds of Henham Park, Suffolk, from 24th to 27th July. Renowned for blending genre-defying music with bold theatre, cutting-edge comedy, engaging literature, and now even science, Latitude continues to push the boundaries of what a festival can be. And this year, the organisers have crafted one of their most dynamic line-ups yet—an ambitious celebration of both timeless legends and fearless newcomers.

Enter Shikari (Jez Pennington)

Enter Shikari Announce ‘Live at Wembley’ Album And Concert Film As Part Of Bootleg Series #13

Enter Shikari have announced the latest instalment in their long-running Bootleg Series — and it’s a big one. Bootleg #13: Live At Wembley is set for release on 11th July via SO Recordings / Ambush Reality, capturing the band’s biggest headline show to date in a blistering twenty-track audio and video experience.

Sophie Grey (Maximilian Stafford)

Sophie Grey Announces New EP ‘Just Another Sonic Monday’ & Shares Live Dates With Sting And SXSW Shows

Electro-pop artist Sophie Grey has announced her brand-new EP Just Another Sonic Monday, set for release on 30th May 2025 via Cherrytree Music Company. The EP follows the release of her infectious new single On Hold — a shimmering, synth-drenched throwback to the ’80s that has quickly marked SOPHIE as one to watch.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing