Babe Haven - Babe Haven
Images 1 and 2 courtesy of savslab.
Babe Haven is a 4-track debut Punk EP from Babe Haven. It was released on December 3rd, 2021, and runs for 11 minutes and 43 seconds. The project is a concise and effective display of a variety of sounds, ranging from a softer, more serene ballad (no pun intended) to a more aggressive, head-banging thrasher. Starting off with the first track, “Bad Witch” is an untamed, eerie song with distressed vocals that accentuate the story which is created by the lyrics. It involves the main character and their love interest which, due to her uncanny and shady behaviors, they believe is a witch. The song has strong chords, floaty drums, and some sort of frequency in the background which really helps to create this aforementioned eeriness. Also, the drum countdown at the beginning of the track, along with the “literally” adlib adds a lot of depth, giving the track a much more personalized feeling. The sub-bass is also amazing.
Image 1 courtesy of artbylilliedp.
The following track, “Movie Night” is a more mellow, yet still energetic track. For some reason, the vibe of the song makes me think of an angry kitten, and I am all here for it. The chords are grimy and wonky, with some nice experimental riffs in there as well. The words of the track talk about having a movie night with friends, which is a very fun and refreshing topic to hear in a song. The drums of the track are smooth and compliment the composition extremely well. Following that is “Neverlasting Ballad”, which is a hauntingly beautiful and spine-chilling piece that starts out with a nice, slow progression of chords that make me feel as though I am completely alone and hopeless with nobody to come and help me. The content of the track somewhat matches this feeling as well, as the lyrics reflect and reminisce on a relationship that is in danger. However, the track gradually progresses towards a resolution and a sort of coming-to-terms, ending with a bittersweet lullaby that sees the main character willing to wait for this person. The chords, drums, vocals, and melody all do their part in bringing this chilling feeling to the track, as well as bringing the heavy narrative to fruition.
Images 1, 2, 3, and 4 courtesy of evanbtakinpix. Image 5 courtesy of me.
Closing the project out, the last track is “Luvrgirl”. It is a passionate, intense love song about the relationship that the main character has with this girl, who is apparently their secret lover. It is a symphonious track that effectively ties the core elements of the track together in a way that they are able to synergize. Together, they create this shroud of mystery that ultimately surrounds the secretive relationship which the main character and their lover girl have, as illustrated by the lyrics of the track. Overall, the EP is a diverse collection of sounds that are both grungy and distorted, and lucid and harmonic. The subject matter of the project primarily covers love and intimacy, and it does so in a way that is relatable, fun to listen to, and emotionally mature. And as someone that has personally seen them play at a festival (Femme Fest II in Boone, North Carolina, shouts out to Cherry Etiquette, Ovary-Z, Josie Gagnon, Draba, and Appalachian Mountain Brewery) I can tell you that the vibe they create and bring is unique and impactful, and they definitely do their part in helping to create a haven (pun intended), for people to go and have fun. Stream their EP, and go see them at some shows!
