In the midst of Haim's biggest headlining tour to date, and weeks after back-to-back Coachella appearances, the band of sisters managed to perform in Dallas more like a proud homegrown band than trendsetting rock 'n' rollers.
The California trio made it clear they love playing in Dallas on Thursday at South Side Ballroom, and they delivered an exhilarating and fully-charged performance to prove it.
Polished yet fresh, the free-spirited sisters were cohesive and present. They walked out to a thundering three-part drum solo, where each sister got a turn, which morphed into "Falling." Just one look at the three sisters was a reminder that, yes, they are related and, yup, this is a talented family. (As soon as they could hold drumsticks or a guitar, Danielle, Este and Alana were learning to play an instrument alongside their musically inclined parents. Throw in their incredible knacks for songwriting, which began 11 years ago, and you've got a pop-rock project offering up something that isn't on the radio right now.)
Each sister has her own specialty these days: Danielle Haim owns the electric guitar and lead vocals, Alana Haim covers the keys and Este Haim dominates the bass. Even though they could glide through easier melodies and bring in a backing band, they don't. The only additions to their touring band are a drummer and an additional keyboardist. Danielle showed off her stringed skills in "You Never Knew," quickly moving across the guitar bridge with her head tilted back and eyes closed, entranced in her own world.
Este showed off her signature "bass face" throughout the evening. She ate a Snickers in between songs, telling the audience she was diabetic and shaking from low blood sugar. When a few fans chimed in, saying they were also diabetic, she squealed, "We're diabuddies!"
The night was filled with these real, unstaged moments. In the middle of "Want You Back," the band's biggest single from 2017's Something To Tell You, Alana broke character, saying "You made me cry, goddamnit!" After the song ended, she explained she's still in awe that fans sing along to a song they wrote in their living room.
No matter how successful these fun-loving musicians become, the Haim sisters still seem like they're playing to prove themselves. And though their onstage antics tend to be laid back, the band members never let it seep into their performances. Every song was enchanting, much like their undeniable chemistry.
The feathery harmonies were reminiscent of another family group, Wilson Phillips, which features soaring highs and lows and a vintage sound that was popular when the Haim sisters were learning to walk. Danielle's smooth vocals were more mature than her years and added rich depth to the effervescent tunes. The reverberating melody and sunny tempo of "Forever" lit up the room, reminding the crowd that this 6-year-old track is still one of their best.
The ecstatic energy flooding the room also overcame Este: She became misty eyed as she thanked the screaming fans for their support.
In an encore that came much too soon, the musicians closed the show the same way it started, with a pounding drum solo. With white confetti fluttering, adoring fans were sent home with memories that made Thursday night feel like the start to a weekend-long party.
