Gaining enough momentum to chisel through the backroom of hell to the fresh air of freedom takes immense strength and determination. Holding onto everything that’s yours, everything that you love and cherish, is extremely challenging in these times, and focusing on the good rather than the bad is more difficult than before, but perseverance is fundamental and could be a cure. Deaf Havana is a band which has created something special. Off the bat, the music has the means to move people and to rework their thoughts and their feelings, especially the acoustic songs, the songs which are clear, decisive and lyrically spellbinding. Lead singer/songwriter James Veck-Gilodi sings with a lump in his throat at moments, and his words are sharp and meaningful, pushing the limitations of lyrical dominance. Deaf Havana has always been a band to leave their mark too. Their songs typically convey nights spent drinking too much, taking too many substances and feeling the aftermath; but this doesn’t make the record seem too much as we expect these war cries. And the band will be remembered for their lyrical wonder and their pessimistic inclusions, which isn’t a bad thing. The Present Is A Foreign Land is a masterful collection of 12 songs. ‘Nevermind’ starts off the acoustic vibe and Gilodi sings about a losing streak and that his heart is made of stone. It’s a stark representation of losing everything. ‘On The Wire’ is a lyrical masterclass and it conveys nights of rage. The chorus is louder than previous songs, and that guitar sound is a great contrast. ‘The Present Is A Foreign Land’ is a thumping track, and shows that the band can play hard and fast. It actually offers a louder frequency, which will attract even more listeners. Deaf Havana don’t hold back here, as their feelings mean so much and their music highlights the days when love is thin and depressive notions become evident.
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