I know its not polite to talk about another university when writing for the publication for BCIT. But when HAIM rolls to Vancouver on September 20, those rules are so OFF. Usually where you can hear the sounds of sneakers as the basketball is put up, and the thwacks of hockey sticks, there’s going to the the strumming of guitar to the soft rock melodies of Haim’s I quit tour. They are coming to Doug Mitchell Thunderbird sports center, right at UBC. This is their fourth headlining concert tour, in anticipation of their fourth album I quit. There’s just something about going for a night out on the same paths, where usually you are running off to class during the day. That blend has always been interesting to me. You get to watch a live concert, drink, take loads of photos, at the same place, you are willingly or unwillingly calling your home for many years.

(Andy Ford / NME)

If you are unfamiliar with these sisters, let me tell you, you have enjoyed your ignorance enough. Its time to get obsessed! They are a trio, all exceptional in their choice of instruments and all amazing singers. Unlike the Jonas brothers, they never broke up, they have been composing, writing and singing together for over a decade. Their new album is raw power, vulnerable but powerful. I already know the lyrics, the instruments and their voices are going to hit so different under studio lights. Some concerts are meant to be outside, and some are enjoyed much more in close proximity and under arena lights.

The kind of chemistry these sisters have are really only possible when you grow up together. The way they pick each other’s notes, the way they understand the music on such a deep level, gives you goosebumps. The fact that their band name literally means “life” in Hebrew should let you know about the energy they bring to all their concerts. But don’t call them a girl band, they despise that label. Alana stated to the Telegraph in a 2014 interview, “When people call us a girl band, I take it as an insult – being a girl in a band shouldn’t be a thing” They preferred to be respected as musicians on their individual merits. Now can you tell, the type of vibe these girls are. They speak their mind, their thought and their music shows that. They write about everything, from falling in love, to not being able to let go, to their faults in the relationship.

That night is going to be the shared memory of yelling the lyrics you relate to at the top of your lungs, taking out those emotions with as much vulnerability as the artists on stage. By the end of the night, it’ll heal something in you too. And I don’t know that seems cheaper than going to therapy or going to UBC to become a therapist, see there’s my sarcasm back for UBC!

Manraaj Grewal

manraajgrewal@gmail.com