Album Review: We Have Band

Words: Jon Sidwell

We Have Band - 'WHB'


"We Have Band have made a truly great album that will surely feature in many top ten lists come the end of the year with both critics and fans alike"

Released this week through French label Naïve, is the self titled debut record from We Have Band. The trio formed back in 2007, with Thomas W-P and Dede W-P coming up with the awkward name after spending an afternoon day dreaming of greater things. After selling the concept to fellow ex-work colleague Darren Bancroft, the guys set about putting their grand ideas into practise. Fast forward two years to 2009 and the band go onto win Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent Contest, and prepare to work on their debut full length release with Gareth Jones (Grizzly Bear, Depeche Mode, These New Puritans).

Let's not beat around the bush here, I really think We Have Band have made a truly great album that will surely feature in many top ten lists come the end of the year with both critics and fans alike. Beginning rather understatedly with 'Piano', a heartfelt ballad, and 'Buffet' an Elbow-like track, you would be forgiven for wondering what exactly the fuss was all about. However, as soon as 'Divisive' kicks in with its electro 80s beats and Hot Chip vocals, you will be intrigued to see where else this band can take you. That’s what really sets this album apart from others released so far this year - the diversity - which can take you from a melodic guitar based song straight to a disco anthem all within the space of a track but without sounding disjointed. It is an album that will give you more each and every time you listen to it, such is the sheer depth contained within it.

There are certainly hints of Joy Division and Depeche Mode both vocally and beat wise. Of course I’ve personally always had a soft spot for 80s pop and electronica, so any band that can reference that time successfully is onto a winner with me. That’s not to say there are no modern references though, with early Bloc Party certainly coming to mind as well as The Invisible.

We Have Band are playing various festivals both here in the UK and across Europe during the summer, so I urge you to not only check out their excellent record but also see them live too if you can, you’ll not be disappointed!

We Have Band - Divisive (stream only)

'WHB' was released on Monday. Stream on Spotify, order here.

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