Hope Records (label)
15 January 2016 (released)
09 December 2015
After jamming with Amy Winehouse, performing at legendary venues and releasing his critically acclaimed EP ‘I’m Home’ Amir Haider has returned with his debut album ‘Leave These Blues’. With inspirations including Guns N Roses, Nirvana and Eric Clapton you would imagine a heavy rock album with that edge of blues - you’re wrong. Haider has produced an album overflowing with a blend of acoustic rock, a splash of blues and a trickle of folk.
Although slightly repetitive, ‘Old Rain’ has melodious riffs and a memorable melody that makes it a worthy first track. The simple lyrics, that perhaps show Haider’s lack of experience in songwriting, are undoubtably catchy with strong similarities to the 90s rock group James.
‘Someone Else’s Fool’ follows a similar straightforward structure. The routine guitar picking is overpowered by Haider’s unique vocals that takes complete control of the track. It’s a shame he doesn't push his voice more throughout the album as it is apparent he has the talent.
Unlike the other songs on the album ‘Talking To The Moon’ has so many more layers, showing more than just Haider and his loyal guitar. The lyrics are still unsophisticated and lack that maturity that many other artists have. The harmonica solo is a lovely touch, throwing you into a soothing lullaby and bringing a slight folk blues vibe to the song.
Haider shows a different side to his vocals in ‘How Far We Fall’. When hitting low notes he creates a gravelly but modulated sound that works so well with the simple guitar plucking.
Suddenly ‘Leave The Blues’ wakes you up from the tranquility by whipping out the electric guitar. Although the lyrics still reek of amateur musician with the chorus repeating “even though I’ve paid my dues, that’s the only way to leave these blues”, the Eric Clapton-esque guitar forces you to nod your head and tap your foot in time to the marked beat.
Although the album lyrically lacks the emotion and passion that was seen in his earlier work, Haider has a unique potent voice that clearly show he has the talent to succeed. Tracks such as ‘Old Rain’ and ‘Talking To The Moon’ represent the skills Haider has but this is latent in the rest of the album. Hopefully Haider shall return with that original sound he has created but with more lyrical development.
