4- piece emo newcomers Havens from Oak Lawn, Illinois hit the ground running with their debut EP entitled It Could Be Worse after releasing two singles "If Only" and "Last Chance", quickly picking up speed from both tracks. With thanks from their loyal fan base and promotional company Dreambound, this is a band that shows that it is possible to hit hard and far with nothing more than pure musicianship.
Starting as a small side project for front man Michael Morgan, Havens began as a name in which Morgan would use to release his track "If Only" written for his sister Tara Hill after battling cancer and passing away. A song fueled by tragedy, Morgan arranged a music video and partnership through Dreambound. After releasing "If Only" the project began picking up speed and notoriety among fans of bands like Mayfield, Tapestry, The Worst Of Us, Tiny Moving Parts, and Movements. Taking notice to the success, Morgan took former band-mate (Mark Graham - Guitar) from his previous Post-Hardcore outfit from Chicago called "Polarities", and with Nik Pagliai on drums and Devon White taking over bass responsibilities they began taking part in turning his small bedroom project into a full scale act. And thus, Havens was truly born.
Shortly after gathering members Havens entered the studio to record their debut EP It Could Be Worse and, after switching out Nik Pagliai for former Polarities drummer Zach Boots, they have since played various venues across the Chicago area.
This record begins with opening track “Stranger”. Coming out of the gates with a rhythmic patternized riff telling a tale of coming turmoil, the listener feels a sense that can be compared to a “calm before a storm” feeling. Utilizing down-tuned guitars and their signature bass heavy mix.
● "‘Stranger’ is about the battle and struggle of trying to figure out who we are and our purpose in this world filled with unrealistic standards. During these times, we may tend to feel crippling self-doubt, uneasiness, and more or less just feel all alone in the situation. However, despite not being happy, we grow complacent and afraid to make the changes needed to better ourselves." - Michael Morgan
Track #2, “Happy Again” opens with an intricate drum fill that glides its way into its first verse with Morgan’s melodic vocals “I’ve been stepped on one too many times before.” being one of the more “melancholy” esque tracks off the record we feel a deeper understanding towards Morgan’s message that he’s attempting to portray. Equipped with lines “I don’t wanna be I don’t wanna be I don’t wanna be who I’ve been lately, I mean that wholeheartedly.” this track's chorus tugs on the listeners heartstrings and doesn’t let go without dragging a few tears along with it.
● "‘Happy Again’ is about finding yourself in that dark place that you just can’t seem to escape. Walking up that hill just feels like your climbing up a mountain. But at the same time, not being afraid to ask for the help needed." - Michael Morgan
“No Control”, track #3, opening similarly to “Stranger”, being the most melodic and easier going tracks off the record. Utilizing legato stylized vocals reminiscent of bands like “Movements” this track is infectious and is guaranteed to make you move come time for the chorus. Graham truly shines on this track, over the more simple patterns of the song Graham finds ways to spice the cadence up to a point where he, White, and Boots can create a beat you can’t help but bounce to.
● "‘No Control’ is about accepting the fact that when things get tough; we as humans tend to get lost in vices that, in time, tend to take over. Therefore, no longer having control of the addiction or the darkness that pulls us to that place." - Michael Morgan
The EP's finale track “Displaced Truth” finishes the listener off with one last tear jerker. Inviting in acclaimed Chicago music scene artist, graphic designer, and cinematographer Alex Zarek for a featured verse to finish things off on an almost eerie note. Havens' Signature theatrical elements shroud the last verse all to come to a dramatic closure with shouts and cries, and then silence…
● "‘Displaced Truth’ is about knowing that you’re being deceived and lied too, but ignore and stay blind to it just because you’re in love." - Michael Morgan
An outfit that should be kept on radar, for their moves are quick, sudden, and heavy-hitting. A band destined for greatness from the moment of its tragic birth. Havens is here to make history.
Havens is:
Michael Morgan - Vocalist
Mark Graham - Guitarist
Zach Boots - Drummer
Devon White - Bassist
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