It’s been a long time coming but Deaf Havana are finally back with All These Countless Nights, their follow up to 2013’s top ten album Old Souls.

Despite their success, it’s been a tough few years for the band, with many issues out of public view which almost ended them and singer James Veck-Gilodi himself admitting he was close to quitting. But it seems that these issues have inadvertently given them the tools to put together their best album yet.

Veck-Gilodi has clearly had a lot of demons but coupled with an ability to channel them into words makes for some brutally honest and powerful lyrics.  It’s almost as if it’s a cleansing of his soul, reliving those moments, taking us on an emotional rollercoaster with his storytelling.

This is very much evident in the album opener ‘Ashes, Ashes’, which is “laying to rest the old me” he says.  It starts off quietly acoustic but quickly reveals itself to be a classic Deaf Havana track with the hallmarks we’ve become accustomed to.  Second single ‘Trigger’ is where the album explodes into life, a song that’s been part of the live set for over 18 months and always gets the crowd bouncing.  The guitar riff, then drums catch you straight away and there’s a hint of a King’s of Leon influence in the chorus.  Acoustic number ‘Happiness’ builds slowly and is Veck-Gilodi at his most honest whilst the upbeat latest single ‘Fever’ contains perhaps his darkest lyrics yet dealing with his struggles with alcohol, the energy and anthem like chorus hits you at a hundred miles an hour. 

‘Pretty Low’ reflects on some bad times and the monotony of daily life that many can relate to, but it has a stomping chorus that can instantly give you butterflies.  Homesick ballad ‘Seattle’ written during their USA tour is a stunning tribute to home.  The beautiful and heartfelt ‘St Paul’s’ deals with coming out of a bad relationship and meeting someone new, this really tugs on the heartstrings.  Loud lead single ‘Sing’ has a chorus that is a statement of intent for the band showing they are more together than ever before and really mean business.

For fans patiently waiting so long, this is everything they would have hoped for in the next chapter of the band.  The new approach to recording with more focus and togetherness has resulted in a superb album that should deservedly catapult them into the big leagues.

If you only buy one record this year, make it 'All These Countless Nights'.

Review by Mark Lunn